Chemical Policy Regulation Essay Example for Free

Chemical Policy Regulation Essay The European Commission’s Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) is a new system wherein manufacturers, distributors, and importers are required to sign-in their chemical inventories into a centralized database, along with information on physical and chemical properties, safe handling, hazards, and uses. Substances with carcinogenic, toxic, or mutagenic activity will require permission before being used, and any chemical whose risks are too unmanageable will be banned for use. REACH will thus be an aid in the management of information on chemicals, since it will demand that unknown data on chemicals currently in use be determined for registration purposes, and that new chemicals to be used by industry will now have a standardized procedure for the acquisition and distribution of information and control on their use. In detail, REACH will operate in the manner described in the following sentences. First, parties dealing in chemical products will be required to send a dossier of information on chemicals that they handle that are produced in excess of 1 metric tonne annually. Basic information will be required of chemicals dispensed in the range of 1-10 metric tonnes, while more will be asked of chemicals distributed in larger quantities. As an example of additional data that will be required, substances produced in excess of 10 tonnes annually should have an associated chemical safety report in which the hazard and risk assessment of the substance for specified uses must be outlined and how the risks posed by the chemical can be adequately controlled for these uses. One component of the assessment is an â€Å"exposure scenario†, a summary of the use(s) and appropriate risk management measures for the substance studied. All the safety data then submitted for â€Å"substances of very high concern† and chemicals used in bulk will be evaluated by a panel of experts, and any chemical whose use cannot be justified in terms of its risk of use being under control or its socio-economic value outweighing risks considered will be subjected to a phase-out and replacement with safer alternatives, if there are any. REACH in effect is an implementation of the venerable â€Å"precautionary principle†, one statement of which being that the burden of proof of a chemical’s ability to deal severe or irreversible harm should be foisted upon the advocates of the chemical’s use, in the absence of evidence that the chemical is safe for use. To illustrate the importance of the â€Å"precautionary principle†, one only needs to look at dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and the organochlorine pesticides that followed. At the time of their introduction, they were widely accepted and hailed as being much safer than the inorganic pesticides such as the arsenicals that were then the mainstays of pest control. It was only after many years of use that their deleterious effects towards human health and the environment became noticeable. In short, the tenet â€Å"innocent until proven guilty† is not to be applied to chemicals that may require years of use before exerting ill effects, and by then the damage done may already be too difficult or impossible to undo. REACH aims to address issues such as safety, the phasing out of â€Å"substances of concern†, and the encouragement of innovation in industry. In detail, REACH can address health issues because, by its very nature, it will prevent the unnecessary use and needless release into the environment of substances whose risk of use cannot be justified as against the benefits that can be accrued. In this respect, if it can be shown that a substance under scrutiny has no justifiable reason for its continuous use because of the availability of environmentally benign alternatives, its phase out will be implemented as soon as possible. Finally, industry will be spurred, in theory, to research possible replacements for the hazardous chemicals that they currently use due to the pressure exerted by REACH to limit or stop the use of   hazardous chemicals, paving the way for innovations. To facilitate the implementation of REACH, the European Chemicals Agency will be established in Helsinki, Finland. The Agency will serve to coordinate the majority of the work related to chemical regulation and evaluation. Members of the European Union still wield responsibility, however. A large portion of the data gathered through REACH will be publicly accessible. The legislation aims to protect human health and the environment, but the risk of negatively impacting the European economy has been brought up by concerned parties. Efforts to strike a happy medium have been going on for several years. One side has talked about increases in the incidence of cancer and disorders related to the malfunction of the endocrines, while the other side has focused on burgeoning red tape, rises in costs and loss of jobs as businesses move away from Europe. Groups with vested interests in the chemical industry have been accused of lobbying to water down REACH for their benefit. As such, there are groups that say that REACH has loopholes that can enable unscrupulous industries to persist in using substances of very high concern for their convenience. While industry has sought to have REACH’s requirements loosened, European trade unions and environmentalists have joined forces in arguing for strong legislation. It is said that one in three work-related illnesses in the 15 older EU member states is due to chemical exposure. REACH also enjoys the backing of consumer groups and medical associations. A limitation of REACH is that it only applies to chemicals manufactured in or imported into the EU, and therefore is not applicable to chemicals that are incorporated into finished products. So a product like a television, or computer or shampoo made outside the EU could contain chemicals that are not registered under REACH providing they are not banned under specific safety regulations (such as lead). Polymers (plastics, rubbers, and ilk) are excluded from the auspices of REACH for the time being, but monomers, or the chemicals used to make them, will still be covered by REACH. Pesticides, biocides and   human and veterinary pharmaceuticals are also exempt from REACH, the rationalization being that they are regulated under a different legislation from industrial chemicals. Industrial byproducts and waste are also not covered by REACH, but substances produced from waste or substances used in the processing of waste are covered by REACH. REACH defines what it calls substances of very high concern as substances that belong in any of these categories: substances that are cancer-causing (carcinogenic), mutation-inducing (mutagenic) or interfere with the bodys reproductive function (CMRs); substances that take a long time to break down (persistent), accumulate in the body (bioaccumulative) and are toxic (PBTs); substances that are very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvBs); and substances that have serious and irreversible effects on humans and the environment, for instance endocrine disrupting substances. Any new results in light of the effects of a chemical under scrutiny on the environment or human health can influence its retention or phasing out.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As an example of the chemicals that can fall under these previously mentioned classes, the previously mentioned organochlorine pesticides will fall under the PBT category; Alar, a plant growth regulator that was pulled out from the market due to concerns about the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of one of its breakdown products will fall under CMR, and the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which, although nontoxic, tend to persist in the atmosphere to cause damage to the ozone layer will belong to the vPvB category. Note that a chemical only has to satisfy one of the set criteria of a certain category to belong.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hazard triggers are an approach where â€Å"substances of high concern† are classified according to the hazards they present when tested in various models. Hazard triggers can be used as an adjunct or substitute for risk assessment since it is usually faster and cheaper to use such. However, extrapolating results of lab tests to what can happen when a chemical is used outside the lab is not always accurate. It has happened in previous times that there were chemicals that exhibited no injurious effects in lab tests and were subsequently shown to be unsafe when used in the field. Conversely, there have also been cases where a chemical that was initially shown to cause serious health problems in animal models was barred from further use even if subsequent tests demonstrated that its use poses no risk to human health. As such, the evaluation of a chemical’s safety based on hazard triggers should proceed on a case-to-case basis, and should be thoroughly scrutinized. Example hazard triggers include persistence (measured in terms of half life in soil or aquatic medium), long-range transport (quantified by the DT50), and ecotoxicity (of which the LC50 is the quantifying parameter). aims of REACH controversial issues associated with the legislation substances of `high concern` hazard triggers and risk assessment the implications of REACH for Environmental protection References BBC News (2005) QA: REACH Chemicals Legislation [online] accessed at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4437304.stm Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2004) Government Response to the Royal Commission on Environmental pollution Report on Chemicals in Products, Cm6300, HMSO [online] accessed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/chemicals/ukpolicy.htm European Commission (2006) REACH in Brief, based on common position of the Council [online] accessed at http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/reach/index_en.htm The Lowell Center for Sustainable Production (nd) REACH The New EU Chemicals Strategy: A New Approach to Chemicals Management [online] accessed at http://www.chemicalspolicy.org/reach.shtml REACH Compliance (2007) http://www.reach-compliance.eu/english/index.html

Dyslexia Essay -- Biology Essays Research Papers

Dyslexia Dyslexia is a neurological-based, specific learning disability, characterized by language handling deficiencies, impairment in the ability to recognize and translate words into sentences. It is said that a reading disability reflects a continuous deficit as opposed to an arrest in development and can occur in a person of any level of intelligence. Dyslexia can be related to hormonal or hereditary influences, or brain injury. One in five children are thought to have dyslexia and it is found to be more prevalent in males.(1) The difficulties caused by dyslexia do not accurately measure the sufferer's intelligence. Geniuses of our time, such as Einstein, have been affected by the problems of automatic decoding of words and formation of accurate sentences. It is said that many dyslexics "shine in the arts, creativity, design, computing and lateral thinking." (2) The etiological basis suggests that reading disorders stem from difficulties in phonological processing, i.e. the brain's inabi lity to translate images from the eyes completely and correctly to the ears and mouth.(3) Symptoms of dyslexia range from reading and writing difficulties, to speech, direction, time, concentration, coordination, and even self-esteem issues. Other mental disorders are often found to be co-morbid, yet still separate from dyslexia. Common are disorders such as attention deficit and depression, enhanced by the general feelings of helplessness and confusion of dyslexia..(4) Co-morbid problems tend to lessen once the individual seeks successful help with their dyslexia. There are thought to be various main factors within the brain that contribute to dyslexia. Two of those factors are linked an underutilized left hemisphere and a central b... ...tive outlook, the individual is doomed not to improve. Nothing is concrete in the study of dyslexia, much research and education are still in need for a better understanding and treatment of this disorder. Internet Sources: 1)Barkley, Russel A. & Eric J.Mash. Child Psychopathology Guilford Press, NY, NY. 1996 (pg.418) 2)http://www.dyslexia-inst.org.uk/what.htm#top 3)Barkley, Russel A. & Eric J.Mash. Child Psychopathology Guilford Press, NY, NY. 1996 (pg.418) 4)http://dyslexiaonline.com/information.html 5)http://www.nimh.nih.gov/events/prleftdy.htm 6)http://www.dyslexia.org 7)http://www.dyslexiaonline.com/info_whatisdyslexia.html 8)Carlson, Neil R. Physiology of Behavior. Allyn & Bacon, Mass. 1998 (pg. 507) 9)http://www.medicinenet.com 10)http://www.dyslexia.com 11) http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healinfo/disorder/dyslexia/dyslexia.htm

The Chrysalids

THE CHRYSALIDS – FINAL RESPONSE The Chrysalids, by John Wyndham is a story about a world where people will not accept differences, whether it is physical, psychological or spiritual. There are many themes in this story. A major theme is satire. David’s society is â€Å"mocking† our society, in real life. Societies, David’s and ours have many similarities. Ever since the beginning, mankind has excluded others for their differences. Whether it is for the color of their skin, or another physical appearance, we all have judged or have been judged unfairly by the people around us. Another major theme of this story is justice and humanity. When Uncle Axel explains the other places and people outside of Waknuk, it shows that people differ in viewpoints, and have different ways of seeing things. We are ignorant when we do not see the way others see things, or when we do not accept other because of their differences. In many cases, a person is â€Å"shunned† from a group because others do not like a certain characteristic that makes them unique. Sometimes, individuals are cast out because others are afraid of their differences that make them superior, or more advantageous. In the novel, the people of Waknuk were devoted to capturing the outlaws, because they were afraid of the group’s ability. Trust is also a theme of this story. David has many people around him, but he cannot trust everyone. Once you get to know a person, you can develop and discover a trust between you. David develops a very strong trust with his Uncle. They share everything, including emotions, opinions, and experiences. However, David does not trust his father, even though his relation means there should be a stronger bond. Anne trusted Alan more than she trusted the group. This is an example of ignorance, and not taking the time to get to know how a person is. The Chrysalids is a fascinating, yet gripping journey about inhumanity, bigotry, intolerance, justice, and lastly solidarity. It is not a surprise at all, that humans can be so cruel, and narrow-minded. Us humans are one have the most powerful and forces that exist. Our life is precious, and we usually do not take notice, and waste that life, or use it the wrong way. Human nature is something that will always exist. Without it, we would have no ideal world. ———————– The Chrysalids THE CHRYSALIDS – FINAL RESPONSE The Chrysalids, by John Wyndham is a story about a world where people will not accept differences, whether it is physical, psychological or spiritual. There are many themes in this story. A major theme is satire. David’s society is â€Å"mocking† our society, in real life. Societies, David’s and ours have many similarities. Ever since the beginning, mankind has excluded others for their differences. Whether it is for the color of their skin, or another physical appearance, we all have judged or have been judged unfairly by the people around us. Another major theme of this story is justice and humanity. When Uncle Axel explains the other places and people outside of Waknuk, it shows that people differ in viewpoints, and have different ways of seeing things. We are ignorant when we do not see the way others see things, or when we do not accept other because of their differences. In many cases, a person is â€Å"shunned† from a group because others do not like a certain characteristic that makes them unique. Sometimes, individuals are cast out because others are afraid of their differences that make them superior, or more advantageous. In the novel, the people of Waknuk were devoted to capturing the outlaws, because they were afraid of the group’s ability. Trust is also a theme of this story. David has many people around him, but he cannot trust everyone. Once you get to know a person, you can develop and discover a trust between you. David develops a very strong trust with his Uncle. They share everything, including emotions, opinions, and experiences. However, David does not trust his father, even though his relation means there should be a stronger bond. Anne trusted Alan more than she trusted the group. This is an example of ignorance, and not taking the time to get to know how a person is. The Chrysalids is a fascinating, yet gripping journey about inhumanity, bigotry, intolerance, justice, and lastly solidarity. It is not a surprise at all, that humans can be so cruel, and narrow-minded. Us humans are one have the most powerful and forces that exist. Our life is precious, and we usually do not take notice, and waste that life, or use it the wrong way. Human nature is something that will always exist. Without it, we would have no ideal world. ———————–

Kinship Definition in the Study of Sociology

Kinship is the most universal and basic of all human relationships and is based on ties of blood, marriage, or adoption. There are two basic kinds of kinship ties: Those based on blood that trace descentThose based on marriage, adoption, or other connections Some sociologists and anthropologists have argued that kinship goes beyond familial ties, and even involves social bonds. Defininition Kinship is a system of social organization based on real or  putative  family ties, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica. But in sociology, kinship involves more than family ties, according to the Sociology Group: Kinship is one of the most important organizing components of society. ... This social institution ties individuals and groups together and establishes a relationship among them. Kinship can involve a relationship between two people unrelated by lineage or marriage, according to David Murray Schneider, who was a professor of anthropology at the University of Chicago who was well known in academic circles for his studies of kinship. In an article titled What Is Kinship All About? published posthumously in 2004 in Kinship and Family: An Anthropological Reader, Schneider said that kinship refers to: the degree of sharing likelihood among individuals from different communities. For instance, if two people have many similarities between them then both of them do have a bond of kinship. At its most basic, kinship refers to the bond (of) marriage and reproduction, says the Sociology Group, but kinship can also involve any number of groups or individuals based on their social relationships. Types Sociologists and anthropologists debate as what to types of kinship exist. Most social scientists agree that kinship is based on two broad areas: birth and marriage; others say a third category of kinship involves social ties. These three types of kinship are: Consanguineal: This kinship is based on blood—or birth: the relationship between parents and children as well as siblings, says the Sociology Group. This is the most basic and universal type of kinship. Also known as a primary kinship, it involves people who are directly related.Affinal: This kinship is based on marriage. The relationship between husband and wife is also considered a basic form of kinship.Social: Schneider argued that not all kinship derives from blood (consanguineal) or marriage (affinal). There are also social kinships, where individuals not connected by birth or marriage may still have a bond of kinship, he said. By this definition, two people who live in different communities may share a bond of kinship through a religious affiliation or a social group, such as the Kiwanis or Rotary service club, or within a rural or tribal society marked by close ties among its members. A major difference between consanguineal or affinal and social kinship is that the lat ter involves the ability to terminate absolutely the relationship without any legal recourse, Schneider stated in his 1984 book, A Critique of the Study of Kinship. Importance Kinship is important to a person and a communitys well-being. Because different societies define kinship differently, they also set the rules governing kinship, which are sometimes legally defined and sometimes implied. At its most basic levels, according to the Sociology Group, kinship refers to: Descent: the socially existing recognized biological relationships between people in the society. Every society looks at the fact that all offspring and children descend from their parents and that  biological relationships  exist between parents and children. Descent is used to trace an individual’s ancestry. Lineage: the line from which descent is traced. This also called ancestry. Based on descent and lineage, kinship determines family-line relationships—and even sets rules on who can marry and with whom, says Puja Mondal in Kinship: Brief Essay on Kinship. Mondal adds that kinship sets guidelines for interactions between people and defines the proper, acceptable relationship between father and daughter, brother and sister, or husband and wife, for example. But since kinship also covers social connections, it has a wider role in society, says the Sociology Group, noting that kinship: Maintains unity, harmony, and cooperation among relationshipsSets guidelines for communication and interactions among peopleDefines the rights and obligations of the family and marriage as well as the system of political power in rural areas or tribal societies, including among members who are not related by blood or marriageHelps people better understand their relationships with each otherHelps people better relate to each other in society Kinship, then, involves the social fabric that ties families—and even societies—together. According to the anthropologist George Peter Murdock: â€Å"Kinship is a structured system of relationships in which kins are bound to one another by complex inter ­locking ties.† The breadth of those interlocking ties depends on how you define kin and kinship. If kinship involves only blood and marriage ties, then kinship defines how family relationships form and how family members interact with one another. But if, as Schneider argued, kinship involves any number of social ties, then kinship—and its rules and norms—regulates how people from specific groups, or even entire communities, relate to each other in every aspect of their lives.