Ideal Chemical Policy

After watching the videos provided and completing this module, I am very surprised.  There needs to be a major reform in public policy with regards to regulatory and protection laws regarding workers and communities.  While I knew a brief and surface level amount of information regarding the issue of chemical exposure and policy, I did not know, in depth, the minimal approach companies take in order to protect their employees or the communities they are in close proximity to. Therefore, I believe an ideal chemical policy includes one of strict regulatory laws.  Chemical should be researched and tested before being used. If the chemical being tested poses a significant health, environmental risk, it should not be used.  An alternative ought to be sought. Additionally, if a chemical is found to be dangerous and there are workers or communities who have been exposed, the company should be forced to release the information and provide the services to remedy this issue.  This should be done in a quick and speedy manner and not through years of a class action.  

Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 5, 2018 at 7:19 AM

    Test.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousNovember 5, 2018 at 7:26 AM

      Mehgan - My comments have not been showing. These are important issues to bring up especially at the public policy level regarding laws that protect the safety of workers and communities. I understand that meeting the minimum requirements for companies is the "cost-effective" approach but it actually ends up being more costly. Workers and communities that are exposed to deadly chemicals will face medical bills, hospital visit, calling out sick to work and turn over, etc. Releasing information and appropriately finding ways to reduce chemical exposure should be included in our policies.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousNovember 14, 2018 at 6:25 PM

      Hi Ryan,

      I agree with you and I think that low-income individuals as well as individuals of color are at highest risk. Unfortunately, these individuals are working jobs where they are exposed to toxic chemicals that affect their health. Additionally, there are many undocumented immigrants who are not protected at all and thus suffer harsher consequences.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Blog about a Zero Waste Life

I really enjoyed the posted video and the subject of living zero waste.  I recently saw a writer for Buzzfeed explore this lifestyle and commit to doing it for a month. Over the course of the month she found it to be difficult, but very satisfying. I do not live a zero waste lifestyle, however, over the past few months, I have begun to reduce our waste.  I no longer use bags for my produce.  I try to avoid buying food in bags or containers that cannot be recycled and I make sure to shop in the bulk bin.  Not only does this save some money, it makes you more aware of the foods you put in your body. Overall, I would like to eventually transition to a zero waste life, however, I find it might be a little difficult when it comes to certain aspects of cooking. For example, when you braise meat, you should dry it off. I usually use paper towels. I guess you could use towels, however, I feel like that could be a potential health risk or contamination problem. I really respe...
Read more

Think About It-Website Exploration

As we begin to think about being active and prepared, explore  the website for The National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health  (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site.  and the links that are specific to your region or area of interest to learn more about health (physical and psychosocial) and environmental impacts or preparedness needs for these disaster precipitators. In California we have the  Disaster Healthcare Volunteers Site  (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. , where healthcare professionals and those with healthcare experience can express a desire to be a volunteer should a disaster happen. Is there something similar where you live? The website provided several links regarding natural disasters. When looking at this site and the references for natural disasters, I immediately began to think about Hurricane Harvey and the devastation it caused. Specifically, I began to think about the w...
Read more