As a policy maker, we encourage you to learn more about the SIN List and why it is important. Push to include SIN List substances in the regulatory process. Set an example. Support the SIN List and substitution. Fight for it. Implement it. There is no reason to wait for a toxic-free world. Here are some examples from the U.S.

"I see the strength of the SIN List coming from us being in a global market", says US Environmental Protection Agency official. "Small companies in the US have already started to adapt to the EU market. This process has a domino effect. The market forces from Europe are spilling "across the pond", and US companies have to adapt. The SIN List helps US companies prepare for this. In this process, the SIN List is practically implementing the precautionary principle."

California dreeming meets the SIN List

In January 2009, the San Francisco Department of the Environment , together with the University of California, Berkeley Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, organized a SIN workshop: Substitute it Now - Understanding the origins and exploring the potential of ChemSec's bold list of "bad actor" chemicals. The event attracted more than 100 participants and elaborated on how the SIN List can be used in chemicals regulation and chemicals management in the US.

"This is an important time for California policy making, where a framework is being established for a new Green Chemistry Program", says Caroline Scruggs, a doctoral student at Stanford University. "The SIN list provides a concrete example of how others are moving forward, and hopefully provides California policy-makers with inspiration for the work ahead."

US Department of Defense is using the SIN List

U.S. Department of Defense Chemical and Material Risk Management Program (in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) is using the SIN List to identify and proactively manage "emerging contaminants" that can adversely impact human health and the environment, as well as the military mission. DoD is reviewing military applications of SIN List chemicals to evaluate and manage possible effects of REACH on military readiness. In addition, they view the SIN List as a leading indicator of potential substitutions in commercial off-the-shelf products. Given the unique operating conditions and long life of defense equipment, it is especially important to anticipate changes in the supply chain and ensure that performance requirements are met.