2. Where did/does the author work, what else has s/he written about, and what are her/his credentials?
Author not found: The website is looked into instead.
Environment New Service was established in 1990 by Sunny Lewis and Jim Crabtree. The website news service exists to present environmental news “in a fair and balanced manner.” It prides itself on being the first to get stories on the latest environmental issues, such as natural disasters, politics, legislation, conferences, demonstrations, legal action, international agreements, sustainable development, climate change, energy, nuclear issues, public health, air quality, drinking water, oceans and marine life, land use, forests, wildlife, hazardous materials, toxics, solid waste and recycling, transportation, environmental economics and the built environment.
3. What are the topics of the text?
This article is a news report on the banning of phthalates in children’s toys in the EU.
4. What is the main argument of the text?
This article makes the argument that the EU is proud of and supports this ban on phthalates, with the undertone of agreement and support for this progressive regulatory action.
5. Describe 3 ways the argument is supported.
Quotes from large stakeholders such as members of the EU and Greenpeace are quoted throughout the article.
The emphasis on the safety of children throughout the article makes the regulation seem a no brainer
6. What three quotes capture the text?
“In the debate before the vote, Rapporteur Antonios Trakatellis of Greece, a medical doctor, called for the application of the precautionary principle in this case, given that "the risk assessment is not yet complete."” Para 6.
“"Toxic chemicals have no place in children’s toys," said Kyprianou. "Our action on phthalates shows that when a risk is identified, the EU can act effectively to protect the health of its children.”” Para 14
"The chemical and toy industries fought hard to prevent today's decision - but the forces of good have finally won out," Greenpeace said.” Para 18
7. Three questions about environmental risk and precaution?
Is the risk to children such a strong motivator that it would override otherwise conservative views on regulation, such as the regulation of High fructose Corn Syrup?
What is the difference between a potential medical risk to your child through phthalates and a risk to your child through climate change in the eyes of the US regulations?
“Six Chemicals in Soft Plastic Toys Banned Across Europe,” Environment News Service, July 6, 2005, available at http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2005/2005-07-06-05.asp, accessed April 2013.
Author not found: The website is looked into instead.
Environment New Service was established in 1990 by Sunny Lewis and Jim Crabtree. The website news service exists to present environmental news “in a fair and balanced manner.” It prides itself on being the first to get stories on the latest environmental issues, such as natural disasters, politics, legislation, conferences, demonstrations, legal action, international agreements, sustainable development, climate change, energy, nuclear issues, public health, air quality, drinking water, oceans and marine life, land use, forests, wildlife, hazardous materials, toxics, solid waste and recycling, transportation, environmental economics and the built environment.
- 3. What are the topics of the text?
This article is a news report on the banning of phthalates in children’s toys in the EU.- 4. What is the main argument of the text?
This article makes the argument that the EU is proud of and supports this ban on phthalates, with the undertone of agreement and support for this progressive regulatory action.- 5. Describe 3 ways the argument is supported.
The emphasis on the safety of children throughout the article makes the regulation seem a no brainerQuotes from large stakeholders such as members of the EU and Greenpeace are quoted throughout the article.
“In the debate before the vote, Rapporteur Antonios Trakatellis of Greece, a medical doctor, called for the application of the precautionary principle in this case, given that "the risk assessment is not yet complete."” Para 6.
“"Toxic chemicals have no place in children’s toys," said Kyprianou. "Our action on phthalates shows that when a risk is identified, the EU can act effectively to protect the health of its children.”” Para 14
"The chemical and toy industries fought hard to prevent today's decision - but the forces of good have finally won out," Greenpeace said.” Para 18
- 7. Three questions about environmental risk and precaution?
What is the difference between a potential medical risk to your child through phthalates and a risk to your child through climate change in the eyes of the US regulations?Is the risk to children such a strong motivator that it would override otherwise conservative views on regulation, such as the regulation of High fructose Corn Syrup?