Risk Assessment and Investigative Report, Case Study Example

Summary of Report

The investigative report “Trade Secrets” emphasizes the risks associated with the chemical industry and the safety of chemical exposure and consumption for human beings. These risks are significant related to many chemicals and require further investigation and evaluation from key experts in order to determine whether or not they may pose a threat to the human condition in one form or another. Both children and adults may be at risk as a result of chemical exposure and use; therefore, these issues must be considered as part of a larger body of research supporting the dangers of chemical use under many circumstances. Therefore, the dangers of chemicals from unknown origins and with unknown risks are largely addressed in this report.

Use of Scientific Knowledge

This report is generally designed to be informative and newsworthy; however, the use of scientific knowledge and research is important in examining the different areas where chemical use is harmful to human beings. This process requires the use of prior research data as a means of exploring the different dimensions of chemical use as they impact human beings and the environment. However, scientific research has not yet fully identified some of the risks of chemical use, thereby creating a set of challenges that impact how human beings manage their lives, including potential health risks. Therefore, scientific knowledge is used wisely to recognize the message of risk associated with chemical use and consumption.

Opinion

This investigative report is insightful and fascinating because I was not fully aware and do not think about human exposure to chemicals on a daily basis. The report examined the problem from a perspective that was deeply rooted in exposing the severity of this problem and in enabling the general public to take a closer look at chemical consumption as part of their daily lives. I believe that this investigative report was indeed informative in that it sought to convey the importance of how much human beings, including scientists, do not know about consumption and utilization, versus what is already known. In some ways, the report aims to frighten the viewer into taking chemicals more seriously throughout their lives. This is an important reminder of the need for additional guidance and insight regarding the use of chemicals and to take warnings seriously when they are offered regarding widespread chemical consumption. This information is essential viewing for the general public in order to increase awareness and raise insight regarding the dangers of chemicals.

Regulatory and Policy Failures

Unfortunately, the use of chemicals on a widespread basis is also associated with the efforts made to deregulate these substances so that they might be use freely and without limitations. This is the primary choice of chemical manufacturers and others who strive to increase their sales, in spite of the dangers that they might pose to the general public. This is an important reminder of the regulatory battle to minimize the influence of political regulations and the restrictions posed on chemical manufacturers who do not want to be regulated by government organizations under any circumstances or with as little interference as possible. Furthermore, lobbying interests in many states and communities have enabled many candidates to be elected to positions of government power through donations and support from chemical companies. Therefore, many leaders are unwilling to take the risks associated with regulating chemicals under any circumstances, thereby creating a set of policy failures that also serve to damage human beings and the environment in many cases.

Solutions to Regulatory Failures

In order to overcome some of the limitations set forth by regulatory failures, perhaps one of the most feasible options is to curb lobbying and donations by chemical companies to government leaders, which will contribute to a more regulated approach to managing chemicals when lobbying interests are out of the picture. This is an icmmportant step in determining how to effectively govern at the state, local, and national levels without significant influence from lobbyists and chemical manufacturers. Furthermore, regulatory bodies must stand their ground with chemical manufacturers through the use of regulations that will have a lasting impact on the safety of all human beings within a given environment.

Changes in Recent Years

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is in the process of modernization, as some of its key objectives and variables are somewhat outdated (US EPA, 2012). It is important to identify methods to improve chemical knowledge, awareness, and risk to individuals, along with full disclosure from chemical companies regarding the risks associated with their products that may impact human beings over the long term (US EPA, 2012). Furthermore, risk management regarding chemical use must consider the different challenges that are likely to occur with respect to the cost of manufacturing new and existing substances and the use of replacement substances in order to ensure that they are safe for use at all times (US EPA, 2012). Reform policies should also consider the different issues related to risk in chemical manufacturing and human consumption of these chemicals and in determining the different areas where there is a potential likelihood of success in these reforms (US EPA, 2012). Therefore, the TSCA must continue to evolve and to be modified as necessary under specific circumstances that will have a favorable outcomes in promoting safety during human exposure to different types of chemicals (US EPA, 2012).

References

Moyers, B. (2001). Trade Secrets. Retrieved from http://billmoyers.com/content/trade-secrets/

United States Environmental Protection Agency (2012). Essential principles of reform of chemicals management legislation. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/principles.html