Great points, Justin. The public health situation that you describe and highlight many times in your articles is a symptom of a free market system where profit is preferred over public health and safety (a negative externality). An overall policy that the government -- at the national, state, and local levels -- can adopt that would help override these perverse incentives would be to take a "precautionary principles" approach. You highlight this in point #5 and wrote more in depth about it regarding how the U.S. manages public exposure to chemicals.
The precautionary principle is a risk management approach that advocates for taking preventative action in the face of potential harm, even when there is scientific uncertainty about the extent or nature of the threat. It prioritizes caution and aims to avoid or minimize harm, particularly when the consequences could be severe or irreversible. Key features of the precautionary principle include:
-Burden of proof: The principle shifts the burden of proof from those potentially harmed to those proposing an activity or product. It requires proponents to demonstrate the safety of their actions before proceeding.
-Preventative action: It encourages early action to address potential risks, rather than waiting for conclusive scientific evidence.
-Proportionality: The level of precaution taken should be proportionate to the potential severity of the threat and the level of scientific uncertainty.
-Alternatives assessment: The principle promotes the exploration and adoption of safer alternatives when potential threats are identified.
In essence, the precautionary principle suggests that it is better to be safe than sorry, particularly when the potential consequences are significant.
Adopting a precautionary principles approach would be a forcing function for corporations to operate on the same playing field and introduce healthier, safer options to Americans. EPA and FDA could adopt this policy when it comes to reviewing and approving new compounds, which would have trickle down effects throughout the rest of the economy in terms of the chemicals we are exposed to and the foods that we eat.
Finally, one additional area that you didn't mention that I think has profound negative impacts on our children (and adults) and the environment, is the prevalence of artificial turf for playing surfaces (soccer, American football, baseball, playgrounds, etc). This petroleum based product emits toxic fumes, especially in high heat, that kids breathe in while playing and the the toxics end up in our waterways and in the soil. More and more studies are showing the negative health and environmental impacts of these surfaces. A precautionary principle approach would help prevent the adoption of these surfaces and stick to more natural based alternatives.
Awesomeness justin and thank you for trumed! Bought my cold plunge system, red light system, sleep 8 system and my Sauna with my HSA. To bad no EWOT systems are accepting or I would have purchased as well.
Great stuff as always Justin! Excellent summation of information as to why this is such an important issue and how it became so. The quality of the links and resources you provide in all your articles is second to none. 👏
very informative and very sad. the more i learn of our government, the more i'm convinced we need local control and true representation through sortition. it seems like that's the only way we can have a legislature that is not dominated by a class of politicians controlled by the special interests and ultra wealthy.
I am extremely passionate about these issues as well. I’ve had chronic disease nearly my whole life - severe fibromyalgia and everything that goes with it. We spend a lot of money on healthy food for our family. Strongly believe in the regenerative agriculture.
Also, I’m a wealth advisor. My clients often have charitable giving strategies in their estate plan. One of the areas of focus that’s great to see is giving to causes focused around healthy food and the environment. I’m all about it and will keep encouraging clients to go this way. Another cool org I’ve found is Green Wave - kelp forests that also grow oysters etc. Hopeful for the future with so many folks understanding these issues now. Thanks for this great post!
Great points, Justin. The public health situation that you describe and highlight many times in your articles is a symptom of a free market system where profit is preferred over public health and safety (a negative externality). An overall policy that the government -- at the national, state, and local levels -- can adopt that would help override these perverse incentives would be to take a "precautionary principles" approach. You highlight this in point #5 and wrote more in depth about it regarding how the U.S. manages public exposure to chemicals.
The precautionary principle is a risk management approach that advocates for taking preventative action in the face of potential harm, even when there is scientific uncertainty about the extent or nature of the threat. It prioritizes caution and aims to avoid or minimize harm, particularly when the consequences could be severe or irreversible. Key features of the precautionary principle include:
-Burden of proof: The principle shifts the burden of proof from those potentially harmed to those proposing an activity or product. It requires proponents to demonstrate the safety of their actions before proceeding.
-Preventative action: It encourages early action to address potential risks, rather than waiting for conclusive scientific evidence.
-Proportionality: The level of precaution taken should be proportionate to the potential severity of the threat and the level of scientific uncertainty.
-Alternatives assessment: The principle promotes the exploration and adoption of safer alternatives when potential threats are identified.
In essence, the precautionary principle suggests that it is better to be safe than sorry, particularly when the potential consequences are significant.
Adopting a precautionary principles approach would be a forcing function for corporations to operate on the same playing field and introduce healthier, safer options to Americans. EPA and FDA could adopt this policy when it comes to reviewing and approving new compounds, which would have trickle down effects throughout the rest of the economy in terms of the chemicals we are exposed to and the foods that we eat.
Finally, one additional area that you didn't mention that I think has profound negative impacts on our children (and adults) and the environment, is the prevalence of artificial turf for playing surfaces (soccer, American football, baseball, playgrounds, etc). This petroleum based product emits toxic fumes, especially in high heat, that kids breathe in while playing and the the toxics end up in our waterways and in the soil. More and more studies are showing the negative health and environmental impacts of these surfaces. A precautionary principle approach would help prevent the adoption of these surfaces and stick to more natural based alternatives.
Awesomeness justin and thank you for trumed! Bought my cold plunge system, red light system, sleep 8 system and my Sauna with my HSA. To bad no EWOT systems are accepting or I would have purchased as well.
Great stuff as always Justin! Excellent summation of information as to why this is such an important issue and how it became so. The quality of the links and resources you provide in all your articles is second to none. 👏
Best summation of policies fighting chronic disease I've read. Start the think tank!
very informative and very sad. the more i learn of our government, the more i'm convinced we need local control and true representation through sortition. it seems like that's the only way we can have a legislature that is not dominated by a class of politicians controlled by the special interests and ultra wealthy.
I am extremely passionate about these issues as well. I’ve had chronic disease nearly my whole life - severe fibromyalgia and everything that goes with it. We spend a lot of money on healthy food for our family. Strongly believe in the regenerative agriculture.
Also, I’m a wealth advisor. My clients often have charitable giving strategies in their estate plan. One of the areas of focus that’s great to see is giving to causes focused around healthy food and the environment. I’m all about it and will keep encouraging clients to go this way. Another cool org I’ve found is Green Wave - kelp forests that also grow oysters etc. Hopeful for the future with so many folks understanding these issues now. Thanks for this great post!
Appreciate this breakdown. Sounds like this is a political problem that needs a political solution - what love your take on that!
Have you thought about lobbying and getting more involved with politics?
definitely - it's something we are working on with https://endchronicdisease.org/