Some interesting information (1st article is from a few years ago, 2nd one is from today):
"Chemical industry told to get tough
Lobbyist's memo advises hardball tactics for fighting tighter California regulations" -
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/11/21/BAG2P380K51.DTL
November 21, 2003
[quote]A leaked memo from a chemical industry lobbyist recommended fighting increased regulation in California by hiring an "attack dog" public relations firm to spy on industry opponents, arrange protests and recruit conservative talk show hosts.
A copy of the memo was obtained by the Environmental Working Group, an environmental advocacy organization, which said it represents a covert attempt to undermine a growing chemical safety movement in California.
But a lobbyist with the American Chemistry Council was unapologetic, saying the tactics they advocate are employed by environmentalists as well as industry supporters and are meant to frame a legitimate debate on the flaws of increased regulation.
At issue is the precautionary principle, a policy that maintains chemicals should not be approved for the market unless they are proved safe. In the United States, chemicals are generally allowed unless they're proved unsafe.
The precautionary principle holds sway across much of Europe and was recently adopted by the city of San Francisco. Other California municipalities have expressed interest in the concept, and state regulators have begun applying it to some chemicals, most notably flame retardants.[/quote]
[quote]The July memo envisioned spending $15,000 a month on the campaign during periods of peak activity, but ultimately the campaign was not funded, Shestek said. While he did not say whether he was the author, Shestek defended the memo.
"We stand by the policy of creating a comprehensive effort to ensure that sound scientific principles remain the cornerstone of regulatory policy," Shestek said. "The precautionary principle is based on fear, not science. A zero-risk policy based on mere allegation clearly turns the rule-making procedure on its head." [/quote]
Their priniciples on the other hand are based on making money and making money.
[quote]Walker said the memo demonstrates the duplicity of the chemical industry, and indicates it will go to great lengths to hobble the legitimate regulation of dangerous chemicals in California. [/quote]
Click on the article link to read the rest of it.
"Danger feared from chemicals getting into bay" -
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/07/11/MNGFVQUHC21.DTL
July 11, 2007
[quote]The inspectors found three types of chemicals -- phthalates, bisphenol A and triclosan. All are suspected of interfering with hormone systems of humans and wildlife. Phthalates are banned in some toys in San Francisco, and the state Legislature is considering a bill that would prohibit forms of the chemical in toys intended for children under 3. [/quote]
[quote]The utility is asking its customers to stop using antibacterial soaps, which frequently contain triclosan, and other products containing harmful chemicals. The utility supports a ban on chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer, birth defects and reproductive damage to lab animals and have the potential to harm humans, Hardy said. [/quote]
[quote]Yet EBMUD and other agencies face a challenge over what to do about the chemicals entering their treatment plants, said board member Doug Linney.
"The problem is that they're coming up with new chemicals faster than we can understand what they do to the environment," Linney said.
Taking the example of antibacterial soaps, he said: "They're just not necessary. It's a marketing thing. There's no reason to degrade our environment." [/quote]
Click on the article link to read the rest of it.
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