8.4 Chemical

I am blogging about Background Paper #4: Act on Early Warnings 

This paper provides the background argument for Reform #4 in the Louisville Charter. 

The Louisville Charter is comprised of 6 reforms: 

1. Require Safer Substitutes

2. Phase Out Persistent, Bioaccumulative, or Highly Toxic Chemicals.

3. Give the Public and Workers the Full Right-To-Know.

4. Act on Early Warnings

5. Require Comprehensive Safety Data

6. Take Immediate Action to Protect Communities and Workers.

In this paper, the authors argue how crucial it is that we take action when early warning signs appear regarding a chemical and its harmful side effects. We have failed to do this in the past, and as a result, many people are living with the consequences of harmful exposure from DDT, asbestos, and PCBs to name a few. 

One key element for a good chemical policy, the authors mention, is how "[a] chemical policy system must put the health of people and ecosystems above all other considerations." This is something that resonates with me, because I am constantly arguing that we disregard the damage we are doing to both the environment, and people, in the name of profit. 

The authors mention how this proactive approach can be difficult since at times it may require to act when science is uncertain, but through epidemiological surveillance, medical observation, and other means we can develop credible evidence for harm and justify the action.