Pulp
and paper mills that use chlorine or chlorine dioxide to whiten paper
needlessly endanger more 48,000 people in Oregon, according to a new
report released today by Oregon State Public Interest Research Group
(OSPIRG).
The report, Pulp Fiction,
identified 74 pulp and paper mills across the nation that together
endanger more than 5.7 million people by using chlorine or chlorine
dioxide to bleach paper. If released, these two hazardous substances
have the potential to kill or seriously injure even at relatively low
concentrations. The report identified three such mills in Oregon – the
Boise Cascade facility in St. Helens, the Wauna Mill in Clatskanie, and
the Pope & Talbot facility in Halsey.
“We’ve
moved chlorine gas, a chemical weapon, off the battlefield and into our
communities,” said OSPIRG advocate Laura Etherton. “Fortunately, there
are safer technologies available that pulp and paper mills can use to
replace the extremely hazardous chemicals used to whiten paper.”
According
to OSPIRG’s research, bleaching technologies that do not use chlorine
or chlorine dioxide are widely available. For example, the totally
chlorine-free (TCF) technology whitens paper by using safer substances
such as hydrogen peroxide or ozone instead of chlorine. These safer
technologies can eliminate or significantly reduce the consequences of
a chemical release.
Accidents
at chemical facilities have long threatened communities and workers.
The realization that a terrorist could use an industrial facility as a
make-shift chemical weapon has amplified concerns about extremely
hazardous chemicals like chlorine and chlorine dioxide.
Based
on these concerns, the National Research Council recently identified
safer technologies as the most desirable solution to address chemical
plant security. The Council stated that the most effective way to
prevent chemical releases is to eliminate the hazard where possible.
“Today’s
report demonstrates that safer technologies are a reality,” said
Etherton. “Some facilities have already reduced chemical hazards by
switching to safer technologies, but many others are continuing with
business as usual. To truly make our communities safe, chemical
facilities must adopt safer technologies.”
Last
summer, the House Homeland Security Committee passed a chemical
security bill that incorporated safer technologies, but this bill was
never brought to the House floor for a vote. Comparable legislation
will likely be introduced again this year.
“We urge members of Oregon’s delegation to ensure that safer technologies are a part of any serious chemical security proposal.”
