Year: 2005
Resolution Number: 35
Action Taken: Referred to the Board
Status:
Author(s): Gerald D. Natzke, DO
Sponsor: Lawrence A. Reynolds, MD
On behalf of: Genesee County Delegation
Committee: D (Public Health)
Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS urge the state of Michigan to adopt and advocate policies that prevent avoidable harm to the environment and human health by placing the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt for the safety of chemicals on those manufacturing, handling, importing or proposing to introduce into commerce such chemicals prior to their use; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS urge the state of Michigan to adopt and advocatepolicies based on the precautionary principle, which holds that when an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. The burden of proof should be on the user or producer of a hazardous chemical or product to convince government authorities, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the product does not deserve to be restricted and that it is the least-damaging alternative available; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS urge private parties that are manufacturing, handling, importing, or proposing to introduce into commerce chemicals that may be hazardous to human health or the environment to take such steps and otherwise observe such precautions as are needed to prevent or minimize damage to human health or the environment. These parties should carefully investigate the composition of the product and its properties from the perspective of health and environmental protection. The products shall be clearly labeled with data of importance from the point of view of protecting health and the environment; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS urge the state of Michigan to adopt policies discouraging use of substances that are persistent and liable to bioaccumulate, and advocate adoption of federal laws and polices that ban the use of such substances.
RESOLVED: That MSMS urge the state of Michigan to adopt and advocate policies that prevent avoidable harm to the environment and human health by placing the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt for the safety of chemicals on those manufacturing, handling, importing or proposing to introduce into commerce such chemicals prior to their use; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS urge the state of Michigan to adopt and advocatepolicies based on the precautionary principle, which holds that when an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. The burden of proof should be on the user or producer of a hazardous chemical or product to convince government authorities, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the product does not deserve to be restricted and that it is the least-damaging alternative available; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS urge private parties that are manufacturing, handling, importing, or proposing to introduce into commerce chemicals that may be hazardous to human health or the environment to take such steps and otherwise observe such precautions as are needed to prevent or minimize damage to human health or the environment. These parties should carefully investigate the composition of the product and its properties from the perspective of health and environmental protection. The products shall be clearly labeled with data of importance from the point of view of protecting health and the environment; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS urge the state of Michigan to adopt policies discouraging use of substances that are persistent and liable to bioaccumulate, and advocate adoption of federal laws and polices that ban the use of such substances.
Fiscal Note: NULL
Resolution: View PDF for Reverse Onus in the Manufacture and Use of Chemicals