The Chlorine Chemistry Division of the American Chemistry Council is committed to the goal of sustainable development - defined by the United Nations as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." We strive to address the "Triple Bottom Line" of sustainability: environment, society and economy.
Providing essential products and economic benefits
Minimizing industry’s environmental footprint
Providing essential products and economic benefits
Chlorine chemistry provides many essential products, including drinking water disinfectants and PVC pipe, 93% of all pharmaceuticals, 25% of all medical plastics, and 86% of crop protection chemicals. Our chemistry also improves quality of life by making possible clothing, electronics, paper, plastics, soaps, building materials and countless other valued products. For more information on how chlorine chemistry contributes to thousands of essential products, visit our Chlorine Tree website.
In 2005, chlorine production totaled more than 13 million tons in the U.S. The chlor-alkali industry directly employs over 19,000 people and contributes over $8 billion to the U.S. economy.
Minimizing industry’s environmental footprint
Through advances in technology and operating practices, the chlor-alkali industry is reducing its environmental footprint:
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The U.S. industry reduced its total emissions of chlorinated chemicals to air and water by more than 80% from 1988 to 2004, as reported under EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program.
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The industry has reduced its dioxin releases by 55% in the first five years that these chemicals have been reported under EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory program (2000-2004). According to EPA’s National Center for Environmental Assessment, the chlor-alkali industry is a small source of dioxin, representing less than 1% of total quantified emissions in the U.S.
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The industry reduced its use of mercury 94% from 1996 to 2005 and reduced releases of mercury to air and water by 49% since 1988. Today, only 9% of chlorine production capacity in the U.S. uses mercury cell technology and announced plans for either closings or conversions should further reduce the chlorine produced by the mercury cell process another 20% by the end of 2007.
As reported under U.S. EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory program.
As reported under U.S. EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory program.
Improving safety performance
The chlor-alkali industry works to achieve continuous improvements in safety performance, both at facilities and during transportation. Chlorine Institute data show continuing downward trends in worker injury rates, chlorine releases, and process safety incidents. In 2005, the worker injury rate for North American chlor-alkali producers was 79% lower than the average rate for all U.S. workers.
The Chlorine Institute has established goals for further improvement by 2010 (with 2005 as a baseline): a 50% reduction in worker injury rate; a 75% reduction in chlorine releases; and zero process incidents. The industry’s long-term goal is zero injuries, reportable releases and process safety incidents.
The number of injuries and illnesses that occur per 200,000 work hours, as reported to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
EPA Reportable Quantity (RQ) Releases. For chlorine, the reportable release quantity is ten pounds
during any 24-hour period.
EPA Risk Management Program Incidents. An incident is defined as an event that results in injury, environmental damage or property damage above US $50,000.
Safe Water Delivered Safely
More than one billion people around the world lack access to safe drinking water, and twice that many lack adequate sanitation. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly two million people, mostly children, die every year from infectious diarrhea attributable to unsafe water – a tragedy that could be alleviated with reliable access to safe water and proper sanitation. Chlorine-based products, including water disinfectants and PVC pipes are essential to help meet this global challenge.
The Chlorine Chemistry Division of ACC created the Chlorine Chemistry Foundation to help increase sustainable access to safe drinking water in underserved communities and areas ravaged by natural disasters. This charitable foundation works with partners to help prevent diseases, improve quality of life and promote sustainable development around the globe. Current initiatives include:
- Rehabilitating the water supply system in Loma Linda, El Salvador, in partnership with the American Red Cross.
- Supporting the New Forest Project’s Clean Water Initiative for Central America, which provides chlorination equipment and training for small community water systems.
- Donating water purification sachets to rural community schools in Ethiopia, as part of Save the Children’s long-term water and health initiatives.
Resources and Links
