An Ideal Chemical Policy

It is evident that we all need a chemical policy that priorities safety over production and that we should collaborate with all other countries worldwide. Chemicals are everywhere in our environment- in our water, our soil, and in our air and we are connected by our environment, by the ocean water and air and should work together to improve our health and the health of our environment. The reality remains that if the environment we live in is toxic, then we are too. We should learn from our past mistakes, like the production of PCP is Sweden that lead to health problems of marine animals. Despite a decrease in production, PCP still exists in our oceans and currently greatly threatens the orca whale populations.
A chemical policy that keeps us safe is critical. It would be one that would require the following..

  • safety testing before it is released for use rather than waiting for market testing
  • requires the use of only green chemical 
  • requires current chemicals used in industry to be tested for safety
  • funds testing of chemicals for safety 
  • requires clean production/manufacturing
  • tax benefits for companies that make the transition
  • provides a timely timeline for the substitution of industry to green chemicals

How much more evidence to we need to create change? Unfortunately, before we can instill a new chemical policy change, we have to elect officials who prioritize the health and safety of the people they represent over industry interests.

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