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This technical note offers an overview of a major corporate issue for the 21st century, toxic chemicals and their impacts. The risk of cancer and nervous system disorders from workplace exposure to certain pesticides and solvents is well documented. Even more troubling are recent discoveries suggesting that certain chemicals may damage human endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems and impede normal physical and intellectual development even at very low exposure levels. Toxic chemicals—ubiquitous in industrial processes and consumer products—represent both challenges and opportunities for business. One approach is to simply reduce a company’s use of chemicals identified as problematic for human and ecosystem health. A second approach, called cradle-to-cradle (McDonough and Braungart, 2002), recommends hazardous materials be designed out of products or recaptured into closed loop cycles to be used again. Companies that move from a reactive stance to redesign their products and operations not only reduce the risk of liability but differentiate their products and brands for competitive advantage. Learning goal: to educate students about new scientific knowledge re: toxic chemicals and to reframe the issues as opportunities for private sector innovation.