(499a) Beyond Compliance: Lessons to Learn

With the rapid evolution of environmental regulation and liability standards for hazardous waste and materials, the best insurance for new products, chemicals or nanotech materials is to establish environmental and product risk management systems that identify hazards and manage them with an eye toward what may become regulated, not just what is now under regulation. Going "beyond compliance" has a long history from which new technologies can learn important lessons. This presentation will explore the reasons for going beyond compliance (to ensure compliance, avoid liability and for economic, public relations and other benefits) and will include examples such as asbestos, nanotech materials and carbon trading.