2. Where did/does the author work, what else has s/he written about, and what are her/his credentials?
The author is not credited, but the Environment News Service covers issues and events from around the world that affect the environment.
3. What are the topics of the text?
Phthalates (toxic chemicals) in children's toys
4. What is the main argument of the text? The European Parliament voted to impose a permanent ban on six chemicals used in plastic toys and childcare articles to soften the plastics. Young children can ingest the toxic chemicals when they suck or chew on the soft plastic items. Industry representatives are outraged, however, because previous testing has shown that the chemicals were below harmful standards.
5. Describe at least three ways that the argument is supported.
Phthlates in health care products are becoming a concern in the United States. On June 8, a study was released by Harvard University scientists that found that babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units receiving intensive therapy with PVC medical devices were exposed to a toxic phthalate at very high levels - an average of 25 times higher than the general population and up to 50 times higher for the most exposed.
Before 1999, concentrations of up to 30 percent mass of the plasticized material sometimes occurred.
Member states have implemented national measures banning the use of phthalates in toys because a temporary ban has been prolonged by the EU Commission on a regular basis. There is now a more stable legal situation which will enable industry to plan in conditions of certainty.
6. What three quotes capture the message of the text?
"The chemical and toy industries fought hard to prevent today's decision - but the forces of good have finally won out," Greenpeace said.
Following the vote in Parliament, the industry association European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM), expressed its "serious concern" that "political decisions are taken which are totally opposite to the outcome of the EU risk assessments."
DINP is by far the most common phthalate used in toys, the industry group said. "DINP has undergone an EU Scientific Risk Assessment and the outcome was clearly that children are not at risk from the use of DINP in any toys. DINP has also been investigated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the United States and it also confirmed that there is no health risk from its use in toys."
7. What three questions about environmental risk and precaution does this article leave you with?
How much damage can 30% of plasticized material can do to the human body?
How effective could a public blood test be to note different kinds of toxins in the body - and how to manage it so that it does not evolve into mass hysteria? -> Identify problems faster, and educate the public of what they should be concerned about and what is too low levels to be concerned about is
Are there examples of ways in which the precautionary principle has not sacrificed efficiency and time for the good of the public health? (Since that seems to be the primary objection in using it - if not, then what is?)
"Six Chemicals in Soft Plastic Toys Banned Across Europe," Environment News Service, July 6, 2005. <http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2005/2005-07-06-05.asp>
2. Where did/does the author work, what else has s/he written about, and what are her/his credentials?
The author is not credited, but the Environment News Service covers issues and events from around the world that affect the environment.
3. What are the topics of the text?
Phthalates (toxic chemicals) in children's toys
4. What is the main argument of the text?
The European Parliament voted to impose a permanent ban on six chemicals used in plastic toys and childcare articles to soften the plastics. Young children can ingest the toxic chemicals when they suck or chew on the soft plastic items. Industry representatives are outraged, however, because previous testing has shown that the chemicals were below harmful standards.
5. Describe at least three ways that the argument is supported.
- Phthlates in health care products are becoming a concern in the United States. On June 8, a study was released by Harvard University scientists that found that babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units receiving intensive therapy with PVC medical devices were exposed to a toxic phthalate at very high levels - an average of 25 times higher than the general population and up to 50 times higher for the most exposed.
- Before 1999, concentrations of up to 30 percent mass of the plasticized material sometimes occurred.
- Member states have implemented national measures banning the use of phthalates in toys because a temporary ban has been prolonged by the EU Commission on a regular basis. There is now a more stable legal situation which will enable industry to plan in conditions of certainty.
6. What three quotes capture the message of the text?- "The chemical and toy industries fought hard to prevent today's decision - but the forces of good have finally won out," Greenpeace said.
- Following the vote in Parliament, the industry association European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM), expressed its "serious concern" that "political decisions are taken which are totally opposite to the outcome of the EU risk assessments."
- DINP is by far the most common phthalate used in toys, the industry group said. "DINP has undergone an EU Scientific Risk Assessment and the outcome was clearly that children are not at risk from the use of DINP in any toys. DINP has also been investigated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the United States and it also confirmed that there is no health risk from its use in toys."
7. What three questions about environmental risk and precaution does this article leave you with?