M8.5 Ideal Chemical Policy

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The charter read previously highlighted critical aspects of chemical policy. Ideally, I would highlight the requirement of safer substitutes/solutions, phase out PBTs, and would require comprehensive safety data for all chemicals. Data is critical -- and it has to be done by public health agencies rather than corporations who could provide incorrect data. I think for a new product or chemical to come out, there should be a new process where the corporation is required to provide money to the federal or state agency to study their chemical. It would be a required fee if they want to release chemicals and would help provide a budget for the EPA or other agencies to do the necessary research to determine if a chemical is hazardous or not. In addition, data is hard to refute when done correctly, so if a company wishes to release their product, it would have to pass the safe substance guidelines to make it to the market. It would also hold the company accountable towards creating a safer substance if they do not pass the test, and could lead towards phasing out PBTs. It would be in the best interest of the general public if the harmful chemicals are out of the communities before they do harm.

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 23, 2018 at 6:06 PM

    Hi Daisy,
    Data is so important especially when we are looking at potentially deadly chemicals. It provides concrete evidence for the push to remove these harmful chemicals. I think that your policy idea is great and reevaluating the current process for new chemicals being introduced into our world. This reevaluation can help improve the products that come into contact with, ultimately leading to a healthier population.
    Thanks!
    Kera

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  2. UnknownOctober 24, 2018 at 11:35 AM

    Hi Daisy,
    That is a great way to address chemical policy reform, having safer substitutes and requiring comprehensive safety data for all chemicals is key in addressing the issue we are facing. I agree that data is very important and that collection of data should not be from the industries themselves but from public health agencies so we have completely accurate results. It is also great idea to create a new process for corporations to go through if they want to release a new chemical. This would change the power that companies have had in the past and make them more rethink how they formulate their products.

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