An Ideal Chemical Policy

An ideal chemical policy, like any policy, needs the science to back it up. The results of scientific studies are what can convince policy makes and government officials to to address health issues. Information on the effects, whether positive or negative, of chemical substances should be shared with the public and presented in a way that they can easily understand. This allows them to be more aware and informed about what chemicals that they are frequently exposed to. However, it is sad to see that many higher officials blind themselves to what is going on in the environment.

From a public health protection perspective, I think a big challenge is how to translate scientific information into words that ordinary citizens can understand and digest. I have trouble reading and remembering these long scientific names of chemicals and substances. While there are more common names for them, it is still difficult to maintain that information about all these substances. Using a language that everyone can understand can allow more residents to be more proactive in addressing the health issues in the environment.

Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 5, 2018 at 6:11 PM

    Chris I agree that our policies need to be backed by science, but I also think they need to be emotional or evoke emotion. Some people may be convinced by facts and facts alone, but many only consider making changes once they see how it will affect themselves or their loved ones.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownNovember 19, 2018 at 5:52 PM

    Yes, I agree that information regarding chemicals need to be shared with the public. I think providing knowledge may allow people to make more informed decisions. However, I also think that companies do not feel the pressure to give the public information because we continue to buy their products without asking too many questions. I think if we asked and demanded more and boycotted products, companies would begin to discuss the chemicals used and their outcomes.

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