Opinion: Investors should address the risk from undisclosed hazardous chemicals in investment portfolios

Consumer product and manufacturing investments are vulnerable to hidden risk from unknown or undisclosed hazardous chemicals. New tools can help.

Published in EHN by Bill Walsh

In February 2025, consumers reacted to reports that toxic flame retardant chemicals had been found in black plastic spatulas made from recycled plastic. Sales of black nylon utensils plummeted over 20%, while sales of stainless steel and silicone products soared 13% and 70%.

This sharp consumer reaction highlights a truth: Investors are exposed to financial risk from chemical hazards that many companies fail to identify, disclose, or address. The result is financial exposure that can be sudden, severe, and avoidable.

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