The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recently announced it would delist molybdenum as a Chemical of High Concern for Children (CHCC). This decision comes after Washington state made a similar announcement to delist molybdenum in September of 2017.

What does this mean for molybdenum? This delisting contributes towards:
• Emphasizing molybdenum’s green credentials’ and low risk nature
• Stopping unwarranted substance stigmatization
• Dissociates molybdenum from other so-called ‘heavy metals’ which it is often confused with
• Sets a positive precedent for other states to follow

This delisting reaffirms what the International Molybdenum Association has consistently stated which is that molybdenum is a safe, naturally occurring element that is found in the food we eat, the vitamins we take and even in our own bodies. It is essential – meaning that life cannot be sustained without it. Molybdenum has critical functions in a variety of industries including transportation, construction, renewable energy, agriculture, medicine, and for our national defense.

The rule-making has been finalized and already filed by OHA, effective January 1, 2019. During the review, five chemicals were added, and three, including molybdenum, were removed.