In Reply to: Re: Imperial Chemical Industries ?? posted by Geoff Paddock on January 07, 1997 at 22:03:46:
GeoffYou said:
> ICI shares the increasing public concern over chemicals said to affect the
> reproductive capabilities of man or animals. Product safety and the
> protection of our employees and customers and the general public are major
> priorities for us. At this time the scientific evidence is unclear and
> does not support a single cause for these effects.This doesn't answer the question 'why are ICI discharging tonnes of
oestrogenic chemicals into the Tees estuary?'. If you share the increasing
public concern over these chemicals, and if public safety is a major priority
for ICI, then why don't you cease discharging these chemicals immediately.
Whether there is a 'single cause' or a number of causes is irrelevant,
anything which contributes to the problem should be dealt with.> The latest information suggests that natural oestrogens from sewage
> treatment works are a principal cause.Again, even if these 'natural' oestrogens were a 'principal' cause, that
does not let other causes off the hook.> Regardless, we fully support a scientific approach to clarify the issue
> and identify any relationship between reproductive changes and industrial
> chemicals. We have initiated our own research programme and are
> contributing to and supporting the work of leading independent scientists
> with other European chemical companies.Further research and the demand for 'conclusive proof' of each danger seem
to be repeatedly used as an excuse by companies to carry on with business
as usual, rather than taking immediate measures to avert possible disasters.
Isn't this what happened for years with concerns expressed about CFCs and
the ozone layer; asbestos and lung disease; lead in petrol and brain damage
in children; etc etc? (not to mention BSE). Why doesn't ICI err on the side
of caution, and stop the discharges now. Or is ICI happy to carry on taking
risks with people's health just so its profits keep rolling in?Regarding ICI's use of animal testing to determine product 'safety', I would
be interested to know which products are tested on animals, how they are
tested and how many animals are used each year.Thanks,
Sue