"Environmental protection is public health protection," stated Lisa Jackson the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the opening of the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual conference at the Philadelphia Convention Center on Monday.
Speaking to an audience of 10,500 attendees, Ms. Jackson reviewed the history of the environmental movement in this country, which began, not as a protection of open space and saving endangered wildlife, but as a movement to protect the public health of our citizens who demanded clean water, clean air, and a ban on toxic chemicals being dumped into the environment.
"Environmental protection," she states, "is more than just saving the whales, polar bears, or spotted owls. It is a commitment to public health and protection from environmental contaminants that have adverse impacts on people and communities, especially children.
Several health issues have been connected to the impacts of environmental contamination, including asthma, cancer, and heart disease. Because one in ten children now suffers from asthma, the EPA has given top priority to children's health.
Unfortunately, the EPA is only legally authorized to regulate the use of five chemicals listed in the 33 year old bill, Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976. These chemicals are PCBs, asbestos, radon, and lead. There are many other potentially toxic chemicals being introduced into the environment that are not currently regulated by the EPA.
"It is more than past time for TSCA to be updated," stated Lisa Jackson. To this end, she has laid out the following 6 items for her agenda:
- Review all currently used chemicals based solely on consideration of risk
- Adequate information must be presented by industry to prove that chemicals are safe
- EPA and industry efforts must contain exceptions for vulnerable groups
- Accountability must be maintained in a timely manner
- Encourage transparent green chemical development
- Industry must contribute a fair share of the cost of testing chemicals
For Lisa Jackson, everything is connected. The fate of the spotted owl, the health of the environment, and the health of the people cannot be separated. Environmental protection is public health protection.
Comments
So excited to see you at Examiner! I love reading you at www.conservationgardening.com and now I have another place to find your wonderful insights. YAY!
Wendy
Many people and scientists agree that current legislation which regulates chemicals must be reformed. However, we should also be sure to reform the science that underlies these regulations— namely, the way in which toxicity testing is conducted.
Currently, toxicity testing is largely based on experiments in animals and uses methods that were developed as long ago as the 1930’s and 40’s; they and are slow, inaccurate, open to uncertainty and manipulation, and do not adequately protect human health. These tests take anywhere from months to years, and tens of thousands to millions of dollars to perform. More importantly, the current the current testing paradigm has a poor record in predicting effects in humans and an even poorer record in leading to actual regulation of dangerous chemicals.
Fortunately, many scientists are working, on addressing these problems -- and alternatives to animal testing exist in a powerful way. Let's ensure we use all the tools to truly make us safe.
I was at this session also, and this is clear and accurate coverage. Thank you for this. I look forward to future reporting from Carole Browne.
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