EPA: An Unknown Risk is an Acceptable Risk

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So there are about 82,000 industrial chemicals in use today. For 2,800 of those, industry has submitted–voluntarily, mind you–data on potential dangers to human health to the EPA. The remaining 79,200 are… a disaster waiting to happen? Something we really ought to look into more? Let’s go now to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (chair: James “Global Warming is a Hoax” Imhofe) hearing on the Toxic Substances Control Act, covered by almost no one except the LA Times‘ invaluable Marla Cone, for a live update:

When asked by Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-New Jersey) if all 82,000 chemicals on the market were safe, [EPA Assistant Administrator James B. Gulliford] said, “Their risks to human health and the environment are acceptable.”

Any questions?