Letters to The Editor

Vigilantly protecting and defending New Jersey’s critical chemical infrastructure

March 23, 2007

Dear Editor:

The chemistry industry is extremely concerned with the use of beneficial products as a weapon. We have been concerned with the potential negative use of our products even before 9/11. We are actively working with our partners in government and industry to prevent similar incidents from occurring here.

True to form, the attempted use of chlorine as a weapon follows a key part of the terrorist agenda where they manipulate beneficial and everyday products whose normal use makes our lives better, safer and healthier. In fact, more than 93 percent of pharmaceuticals sold in the U.S. rely on chlorine chemistry.

Even though for the vast majority of chlorine chemistry applications there are simply no substitutes, the chemistry industry continues to invest heavily in the application of improved technologies to promote the safe production and use of critical chemical products. As an industry we believe in advancing innovation in chemical use and management rather than precluding certain chemicals products. 

Chemical manufacturers are vigilant in their commitment to safeguard our communities, employees and essential chemical resources and we are continually adapting our security to address emerging threats. 

As an industry, we have not waited for any kind of law or regulation to act to protect our plants and the communities where they are located.

Sincerely,

Hal Bozarth

Executive Director

Chemistry Council of New Jersey

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