M8.4 Blog Chemical Policy Reform

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The background paper that I have selected is #2: Phase out persistent, bioaccumulative or highly toxic chemicals. As stated in the paper, it is well known how harmful chemicals such as organophosphates, flame retardants, and lead are to the human body and the environment. Despite this evidence, it is frustrating to know that they still continue to be use to this day and that the public continues to knowingly be exposed. The EPA is still limited by outdated policies and reform, I found it shocking that it has only five chemical groups of 62,000 have been restricted in 29 years. Phasing out the harmful chemicals is an excellent first step towards eventually banning them from use. Switching them out for substitutes that are less harmful to the public. I like how there have already been some statewide and local initiatives to phase out these PBTs, however, it is evident that more work needs to be done in order to enforce the phase out nationally. Pressuring corporations to move towards alternatives will also take time to accomplish. Continued monitoring and data collection are key in developing stronger support for the phase out, hopefully more evidence will push for future reforms as recommended by this paper.

Comments

  1. Sintia ShahbazOctober 21, 2018 at 12:10 PM

    Only 5 chemicals being restricted is just crazy! I am interested to know what they are doing with all the funding they are receiving to do research on chemicals? It seems like not a lot is getting done and it seems to be over money, because how else would big companies profit if these chemicals are restricted.

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