M8.4 Chemical Policy Reform

The background paper I have chosen to read is "Give the Public and Workers the Full Right-to-Know and Participate." The paper talks about how the public has the right-to-know because they are the ones who are constantly exposed to toxic chemicals through the air, water, land, food,  and consumer products in every setting of their lives. I agree with the paper that if there is full disclosure of toxic chemicals, there will be more meaningful discussions about policy changes. In order to have persuasive policy briefs, relevant data is essential to convince those who are in power to make changes. The paper also stated that advocating right-to-know helps people communicate simple ideas to overcome polluters' money and influence. Polluters' may have the power now through their money and influence, but that power and influence can be shifted onto the public if they are given the information about the toxic chemicals they are exposed to. By knowing the harms, the public will be able to make informed decisions, and if a whole mass of people does not support companies that have toxic chemicals in their products, those companies lose money and eventually their influences. Supporting the right-to-know can lead to industries put human health first rather than profits.