The department is authorized to participate in an interstate clearinghouse to promote safer chemicals in consumer products in cooperation with other states and governmental entities. The department may cooperate with the interstate clearinghouse to classify existing chemicals in commerce into one of 5 categories: chemicals of high concern, chemicals of concern, chemicals of potential concern, chemicals of unknown concern and chemicals of low concern.   [PL 2011, c. 319, §10 (AMD).]

The department may also cooperate with the interstate clearinghouse in order to organize and manage available data on chemicals, including information on uses, hazards and environmental concerns; to produce and inventory information on safer alternatives to specific uses of chemicals of concern and on model policies and programs; to provide technical assistance to businesses and consumers related to safer chemicals; and to undertake other activities in support of state programs to promote safer chemicals.   [PL 2007, c. 643, §2 (NEW).]