Ideal Chemical Policy
Considering the elements of chemical policies found in the Louisville Charter, I would want many, of not all of the same elements in an ideal chemical policy. Essentially, these elements would include systems accountability and reform. Manufacturers and distributors of toxic substances should never be allowed to withhold any information on the health risks and hazards of their products, from the general public. Also, these Manufacturers and distributors should be encouraged to make changes to their products, so that the both environment and the public's health is promoted.
The ability to have access to informing relevant to one's health would seem to be a universal, and immediate right. However, this is not the case. Many manufacturers of toxic products are allowed to withhold health hazard information from the public it sells to. In so doing, they deliberately keep us ignorant of any harm that may befall us and our loved-ones. Moreover, the very federal agencies, such as the FDA, which are tasked to protect from such harm, are the same agencies allowing such harm to be introduced into the populace. It is a systemic issue within our government and society, where corporations appear to have unchecked power and privileges to do as they please. Therefore, policies should be aimed at dismantling these privileges, by imposing strict standards on the products disseminated to the public. In general, anything that placed an undo burden on environmental and public health should not be permitted to be distributed.
One way to help facilitate changes in the toxic products produced by manufacturers would be to encourage the creation of alternatives. These alternatives should be environmentally friendly, and place the public at minimal risk of toxic exposure. Also, those entities which do attempt to produce and distribute good alternatives should be rewarded for their efforts. Consequently, it could be assumed that other manufacturers of toxic substances would be encouraged to eliminate or decrease the toxins within their products. Therefore, policies aimed at reducing toxic exposures should seek to encourage the innovation of alternative, environmentally friendly products.
Hi Samuel,
ReplyDeleteI think you are correct in identifying that one of the key issues is the lack of knowledge among the general population. If we could change the way information is disseminated, more people would be aware and educated about this topic. This is where we step in as public health professionals. No one wants to be exposed to toxins and a louder outcry would occur. Hopefully this would then influence change for the better.
Hi Samuel,
ReplyDeleteYes, it is significant to make sure that “manufactures and distributors of toxic substances should never be allowed”. I totally think same as you said that they need strict standards. It is great idea to encourage the creation of alternatives, which provides more options. People will trust more the companies that would make environmental friendly products when we have these ideal policies.