http://ogoapes.weebly.com/uploads/3/2/3/9/3239894/everyday_exposure_to_toxic_chemicals.pdf
Summary:
The majority of U.S. environmental laws are focused on regulating the release of potentially hazardous wastes into the air and water, not the amount of contact people have with those pollutants. This has caused regulators to rarely know of the number of people affected by a particular pollutant and therefore cause the focus to be on limiting pollution from blatant sources such as cars and factories in lieu of the many small, yet significant ones. Recently though, some states have implemented studies in which people carry portable monitoring instruments while on their daily routine, revealing the prevalence of capricious organic compounds, carbon monoxide, pesticides, and harmful particles. It turns out that most people are more likely to have the most contact with toxic pollutants inside, especially in homes, rather than outside due to ordinary household products such as air fresheners, cleaning compounds, and building materials. However, most people can limit exposure to products containing such harmful pollutants. For example, chloroform is a gas that is a carcinogen in many water systems, but it can be avoided by drinking bottled water or improving ventilation in the bathroom and laundry.
Reflection:
Even though our government cannot determine how much contact we have with pollutants, I still appreciate them for at least attempting to regulate the release of those pollutants. They are trying to stop the waste from being an issue to begin with. They're applying the precautionary principle and not waiting until research and statistics are found out for how much pollutant humans have contacted, but are addressing the waste before there is even an issue for humans, at least. The government is finding one part of the battle for us, but potentially harmful chemicals and pollutants have already infiltrated our homes in air fresheners, cleaning compounds, building materials, etc. This is why we, the general public, must also take initiative and do our part in our own private lives and households that the government cannot control. We can drink bottled water to avoid chloroform, improve ventilation, smoke less, purchase organic chemicals, etc. Everyone can and needs to contribute in order to live safe, healthy lives.
Summary:
The majority of U.S. environmental laws are focused on regulating the release of potentially hazardous wastes into the air and water, not the amount of contact people have with those pollutants. This has caused regulators to rarely know of the number of people affected by a particular pollutant and therefore cause the focus to be on limiting pollution from blatant sources such as cars and factories in lieu of the many small, yet significant ones. Recently though, some states have implemented studies in which people carry portable monitoring instruments while on their daily routine, revealing the prevalence of capricious organic compounds, carbon monoxide, pesticides, and harmful particles. It turns out that most people are more likely to have the most contact with toxic pollutants inside, especially in homes, rather than outside due to ordinary household products such as air fresheners, cleaning compounds, and building materials. However, most people can limit exposure to products containing such harmful pollutants. For example, chloroform is a gas that is a carcinogen in many water systems, but it can be avoided by drinking bottled water or improving ventilation in the bathroom and laundry.
Reflection:
Even though our government cannot determine how much contact we have with pollutants, I still appreciate them for at least attempting to regulate the release of those pollutants. They are trying to stop the waste from being an issue to begin with. They're applying the precautionary principle and not waiting until research and statistics are found out for how much pollutant humans have contacted, but are addressing the waste before there is even an issue for humans, at least. The government is finding one part of the battle for us, but potentially harmful chemicals and pollutants have already infiltrated our homes in air fresheners, cleaning compounds, building materials, etc. This is why we, the general public, must also take initiative and do our part in our own private lives and households that the government cannot control. We can drink bottled water to avoid chloroform, improve ventilation, smoke less, purchase organic chemicals, etc. Everyone can and needs to contribute in order to live safe, healthy lives.