Global Security Newswire

U.S. academic research laboratories have expressed concern over proposed Homeland Security Department regulations for tracking potentially dangerous chemicals, Chemical & Engineering News reported yesterday.

In draft rules released last month, the department listed a set of "chemicals of interest" that colleges and universities would be required to report if they had the minimum quantities set by the new rules.

More than 100 of the chemicals would trigger reporting if laboratories had "any amount," the News reported.

These requirements would prove onerous and expensive, said one university official.

"The rule was intended for chemical facilities, not laboratories that maintain small quantities of chemicals at levels that can't cause catastrophic events," said Erik Talley, Weill Cornell Medical College's health and safety head.

Other regulations, such as those issued by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency, are sufficient, according to a university safety association.

A DHS official, disagreed, however.

"Existing fire and building codes and safety protocols are aimed at safety," said Lawrence Stanton, acting director of chemical security compliance.  "None are aimed at security."

Stanton said the department would release a revised list of chemicals "in early to mid-June" (Lois Ember, Chemical & Engineering News, May 21).