All Things Chemical

Hosted by Bergeson & Campbell, PC

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

All Things Chemical is a podcast produced by Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®), a Washington D.C. law firm focusing on chemical law, business, and litigation matters. All Things Chemical is hosted by Lynn L. Bergeson, managing partner of B&C. In each episode, we bring you intelligent, insightful, and engaging conversation about everything related to industrial, pesticidal, and specialty chemicals, as well as the law and business issues surrounding chemicals. Our incredibly talented team of lawyers, scientists, and consultants keep you abreast of the changing world of both domestic and international chemical regulation and provide analysis of the many intriguing and complicated issues surrounding this space.

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60 recent

June 11, 202643 min

Hantavirus and the EPA: A Collaborative Defense Against Viral Threats — A Conversation with Dana S. Lateulere and James V. Aidala

This week, I was pleased to welcome back to the studio Dana S. Lateulere, Regulatory Consultant with B&C and its consulting affiliate, The Acta Group (Acta®), and James V. Aidala, Senior Government Affairs Consultant at B&C and Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs, at Acta, to discuss the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) significant role in combating pathogens like those spreading the highly virulent Ebola virus and Hantavirus. Both Dana and Jim have extensive expertise in how EPA deploys its authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to protect the public's health from these and other deadly pathogens. We discuss how EPA reviews, approves, and regulates products to combat these pathogens, how EPA has modernized its process to meet the demands of the moment, and why the public health products EPA regulates under FIFRA are more essential now than ever. ALL MATERIALS IN THIS PODCAST ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. THE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES. ALL LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ANSWERED DIRECTLY BY A LICENSED ATTORNEY PRACTICING IN THE APPLICABLE AREA OF LAW. ©2026 Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. All Rights Reserved

May 28, 202652 min

State PFAS Requirements — A Conversation with Carla N. Hutton

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with my colleague, Carla N. Hutton, Senior Regulatory Analyst for B&C, to discuss emerging state per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) restrictions. As many listeners appreciate, dozens of states are considering, and others have enacted, state restrictions on a wide variety of products with the goal of eventually prohibiting the sale of products that contain intentionally added PFAS. Several states have implemented regulatory provisions that require, or will require, reporting the presence of PFAS intentionally added to products, label certain products as to the presence of PFAS in the product as soon as January 2027, and/or prohibit the sale or offering for sale of products containing PFAS by 2032. Monitoring, understanding, and explaining the complex diversity of these state PFAS restrictions is Hutton's superpower. Her encyclopedic knowledge of these restrictions and understanding of subtle but important distinctions among them is impressive. We discuss the most urgent and controversial programs in Minnesota and New Mexico with a view to assist listeners with understanding the key areas of controversy and how best to prepare for some fast-approaching deadlines. ALL MATERIALS IN THIS PODCAST ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. THE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES. ALL LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ANSWERED DIRECTLY BY A LICENSED ATTORNEY PRACTICING IN THE APPLICABLE AREA OF LAW. ©2026 Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. All Rights Reserved

May 14, 202651 min

How Limited Data in Pet Poisoning Cases Challenges Industry and Regulators — A Conversation with Ahna G. Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Ahna G. Brutlag, Vice President of Veterinary Services and Senior Veterinary Toxicologist at SafetyCall International, LLC and Pet Poison Helpline®. Impressively, Dr. Brutlag is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology (ABVT) as well as a Diplomate of the human counterpart, the American Board of Toxicology (ABT), a distinction shared by fewer than 80 people in North America. Dr. Brutlag is at the forefront of adverse effects monitoring and post-market surveillance and has navigated this complex regulatory landscape for over two decades. We discuss the fascinating intersection of chemicals and pet and animal safety. ALL MATERIALS IN THIS PODCAST ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. THE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES. ALL LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ANSWERED DIRECTLY BY A LICENSED ATTORNEY PRACTICING IN THE APPLICABLE AREA OF LAW. ©2026 Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. All Rights Reserved

April 30, 202648 min

The Case for Product Stewardship — A Conversation with Molly Blessing

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Molly R. Blessing, Vice President of Sustainability & Product Stewardship for the Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA). We discuss a few of the fascinating and vexing challenges industry faces today in the complex world of product stewardship. We address the growing pains of conflicting state extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, the challenges in California of labeling a product as recyclable, and making the case for a robust corporate product stewardship program. ALL MATERIALS IN THIS PODCAST ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. THE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES. ALL LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ANSWERED DIRECTLY BY A LICENSED ATTORNEY PRACTICING IN THE APPLICABLE AREA OF LAW. ©2026 Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. All Rights Reserved

April 16, 20261 hr 20 min

Agriculture, MAHA, and More: A Conversation with Alexandra Dunn and James V. Aidala

I was delighted this week to visit again with Alexandra Dunn, President and Chief Executive Officer of CropLife America (CLA), and my colleague Jim Aidala, to discuss some of the issues facing the crop protection industry. Alex's amazing career has prepared her well for her demanding job. After graduating from law school and a brief stint in private practice, Alex served as general counsel for the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, then went on to become the Executive Director and General Counsel of the Association of Clean Water Administrators before serving as Executive Director and General Counsel of the Environmental Council of the States. In 2018, Alex served as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 (New England) Administrator and was, in 2019, appointed Assistant Administrator of EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), where she served until 2021. Alex returned to private practice here in Washington, D.C. before becoming President and CEO of CropLife America in 2024. Last year, Alex was appointed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to serve on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade. As if this were not enough, Alex has served as Chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Environment Energy and Resources, as Dean of Environmental Law Programs at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, has served on the Board of Directors of the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), and is current President of the American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL). Jim is Senior Government Consultant at B&C and, like Alex, a past Assistant Administrator of the EPA Toxics Office, known now as OSCPP. Alex, Jim, and I discuss agriculture and trade policy, how CLA has been addressing "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA issues), crop protection and agricultural chemical communication issues, some pesticide registration challenges, preemption, and even some Endangered Species Act (ESA) issues. ALL MATERIALS IN THIS PODCAST ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. THE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES. ALL LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ANSWERED DIRECTLY BY A LICENSED ATTORNEY PRACTICING IN THE APPLICABLE AREA OF LAW. ©2026 Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. All Rights Reserved

March 26, 202642 min

The Surge in Microplastics Regulation — A Conversation with Catherina D. Narigon and L. Claire Hansen

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with my colleagues, Catherina D. Narigon and L. Claire Hansen, both Associates with B&C and Regulatory Consultants with The Acta Group (Acta®), B&C's consulting affiliate, about the complex world of end-of-life product management. We discuss extended producer responsibility (EPR), recyclability labeling requirements, and plastics and microplastics regulation and liability concerns. End-of-life product management is increasingly regulated by a growing number of states, often pursuing unique management approaches that can inspire significant commercial cost and disruption. We dive into these topics and explain what they are and why our listeners may wish to monitor these initiatives as they are complex, growing in number, and consequential. ALL MATERIALS IN THIS PODCAST ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. THE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES. ALL LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ANSWERED DIRECTLY BY A LICENSED ATTORNEY PRACTICING IN THE APPLICABLE AREA OF LAW. ©2026 Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. All Rights Reserved

March 12, 202644 min

The Global Race on PFAS Regulation: What US Companies Need to Prepare For Now — A Conversation with Lindsay A. Holden, Ph.D., DABT, and Carla N. Hutton

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with my colleagues, Carla N. Hutton, Senior Regulatory Analyst for B&C, and Lindsay A. Holden, Ph.D., DABT, Senior Toxicologist/Regulatory Scientist for B&C and The Acta Group (Acta®), our consulting affiliate. We discuss the relentless pace of state per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulations. For those expecting a slowdown, think again. Perhaps in response to perceived inaction at the federal level, over half the states are engaged in PFAS notification and restriction regulations. This is unsurprising. Perhaps what is surprising is how different state restrictions are and how difficult it is to prepare for and understand how to comply with each. We seek to lessen the confusion by discussing the state of PFAS restrictions, focusing on key state differences, and offering a few tips on staying ahead of the PFAS curve. ALL MATERIALS IN THIS PODCAST ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. THE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES. ALL LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ANSWERED DIRECTLY BY A LICENSED ATTORNEY PRACTICING IN THE APPLICABLE AREA OF LAW. ©2026 Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. All Rights Reserved

February 26, 202641 min

Global Trade Dynamics: Chemical Industry Insights — A Conversation with James Aidala and Claire Hansen

This week, I was pleased to welcome back to the studio Jim Aidala, Senior Government Affairs Consultant at B&C and its consulting affiliate, The Acta Group (Acta®) and Claire Hansen, an Associate with B&C and Regulatory Analyst with Acta, to discuss the ever-changing influence of foreign policy on the chemical industry. As we all know, there is a lot going on in the world and much of it may seem somewhat tangential to the chemical industry. On closer inspection, Claire and Jim's January 27, 2026, blog notes otherwise, and lays out the reasons why international events, trade-related matters, and multilateral institutions have a significant impact on domestic chemical regulation. During our podcast we discuss why chemical companies are paying close attention to foreign policy, trade policy, and related international issues, the pending Supreme Court case on the President's authority to impose tariffs, the unpredictability of the financial markets, and a wide range of other topics which I think you will find interesting. ALL MATERIALS IN THIS PODCAST ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. THE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES. ALL LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ANSWERED DIRECTLY BY A LICENSED ATTORNEY PRACTICING IN THE APPLICABLE AREA OF LAW. ©2026 Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. All Rights Reserved

February 5, 202649 min

2026 Forecast: TSCA Reform Developments — A Conversation with Richard E. Engler, Ph.D. and Ryan N. Schmit

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Richard E. Engler, Director of Chemistry for B&C and The Acta Group (Acta®), our consulting affiliate, and Ryan N. Schmit, Of Counsel with B&C and Senior Regulatory Consultant with Acta, about the recent release of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment's Discussion Draft of suggested amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The document has inspired spirited debate over the questions should TSCA be amended and if so, how? The Subcommittee also convened a hearing on January 22 seeking stakeholder comment on the Discussion Draft and other topics relating to the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act's (Lautenberg) implementation. As listeners know, Rich Engler has long been an advocate for change in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) interpretation of Section 5 new chemical provisions. Rich discusses the Subcommittee's attempt to fix these problems. Joining Rich is Ryan Schmit, Of Counsel and former EPA TSCA attorney who was detailed to the House of Representatives when Lautenberg was under consideration. Both guests offer unique insights into the broader topic of TSCA reform. We discuss the Discussion Draft, the wisdom of TSCA reform, stakeholder response, and what the future may hold for this important topic. ALL MATERIALS IN THIS PODCAST ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. THE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES. ALL LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ANSWERED DIRECTLY BY A LICENSED ATTORNEY PRACTICING IN THE APPLICABLE AREA OF LAW. ©2026 Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. All Rights Reserved

January 22, 202641 min

2026 Forecast: Capitol Hill Issues — A Conversation with James V. Aidala

This week, I was pleased to welcome back to the studio Jim Aidala, Senior Government Affairs Consultant at B&C and its consulting affiliate, The Acta Group (Acta®), to discuss his take on what to expect from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Congress on pesticide matters in the new year. As an astute student of politics and a keen observer of EPA chemical policies and personalities, hearing Jim's observations is always informative. As many of you know, Jim is a former Assistant Administrator of what is now the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, and lifelong student of chemical governance, particularly pesticides. We discuss EPA administrative issues, the legislative forecast, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, and other topics of interest to our listeners. ALL MATERIALS IN THIS PODCAST ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. THE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES. ALL LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ANSWERED DIRECTLY BY A LICENSED ATTORNEY PRACTICING IN THE APPLICABLE AREA OF LAW. ©2026 Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. All Rights Reserved