Chemical raw materials are found in just about every consumer product imaginable, and the chemical trade is a global, multibillion dollar enterprise. Everything from the cars we drive to the plastic containers that hold our shampoo, as well as the shampoo itself, and pharmaceuticals have some component that was manufactured from a chemical raw material. There are a number of national and global industry organizations that set chemical production and distribution standards. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets standards for the production of pharmaceutical-grade chemical raw materials.
Current good manufacturing practices (cGMP)
These guidelines are nonbinding best practices set down by the FDA for companies that manufacture bulk pharmaceutical-grade drugs. They are meant to clarify existing regulations and policies.
I recommend: Jost Chemical manufactures chemicals for drugs in adherence with bulk pharmaceutical cGMPs. The
FDA explains the purpose and practice of the cGMPs initiative.
American Chemical Society (ACS)
A leading society for chemical scholars of all degree levels, the ACS sets standards for determining chemical purity. Many chemical-producing companies adhere to the ACS' methodologies.
I recommend: You can sign up to access the
ACS' Reagent Chemicals Online, a resource that provides information on analytical methods and the properties of over 500 chemical reagents.
United States Pharmacopoeia (USP)
The USP is the standards-setting body for prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medications and vitamin supplements in the United States. These rules are meant to ensure the quality, purity and consistency of drugs and dietary supplements.
I recommend: Read more about
USP, its mission and processes.
Spectrum Chemicals lists a wide range of USP-certified chemical products.
Renewable raw materials
Renewable raw materials are those derived from crops, as opposed to petroleum or natural gas reserves. The chemical raw materials industry has moved towards manufacturing chemicals from crops as traditional sources have diminished.
I recommend: Physorg.com has an article about the trend towards renewable raw materials in the chemical industry.
High-production volume (HPV) chemicals
The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) developed the HPV chemicals initiative to collect data on hazards from chemical-producing plants worldwide.
I recommend: Learn more about the
ICCA's hazard-assessment process.
Reagent-grade chemicals
A reagent is consumed in a chemical reaction, as opposed to a catalyst or solvent, which is not consumed. If a chemical is labeled "reagent-grade" that means it is pure enough to use in a chemical analysis.
I recommend: The chemical manufacturer
Reagents lists the different types of reagent-grade chemicals it sells.
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