- Require safer substitutes and solutions
- Phase out persistent, bioaccumulative, or highly toxic chemicals
- Give the public and workers the full right-to-know and participate
- Act on early warnings
- Require comprehensive safety data for all chemicals
- Take immediate action to protect communities and workers
Other elements outlined in the Lautenberg Act are:
- Requires safety finding for new chemicals
- Health-based safety standard
- Give EPA authority to require testing of chemicals
One of the flaws of the Toxic Substance Control Act is that it mandates there needs to be evidence that a chemical posed a risk before it could require testing. Waiting for evidence wastes time and more people can be exposed during the wait. Effective public health protection starts with acting on early warning signs. Prevention is a key service of public health, and prevent means that health professionals cannot ignore warning signs, even if there is no significant evidence. Health professionals need to act on early warning signs in order to produce significant evidence.
Hi, it just seems backwards doesn't it? Prevention is the backbone of public health (immunizations) and this goes completely against it.
ReplyDeleteDan
Hey Sandy,
ReplyDeleteYea, I agree, and that seems like a pretty big flaw. A lot of these chemicals don't cause any symptoms or signs until a long time after the exposure happened, so I think a lot of time would be wasted and a lot of times would be at risk if we wait for signs that a chemical is harmful for humans.