Human life is a sacred and important to the world. The Catholic Church believes that human life should be preserved and our actions should revolve around that goal. However, the value of preserving human life is being tarnished through the unsafe distribution of harmful chemicals in the everyday products we all use. Many industries take no regard for consumer safety when they lie about the amount of chemicals that are contained in the products. Therefore, it is important to that both governments and companies take steps to ensure safe use of chemicals in any products to prevent serious injuries or deaths.
Image: http://redgreenandblue.org/files/2008/09/toxic1.jpg
CST #2: Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Not only is it important to value human lives, but it is also important to value communities that have allowed us to reach common goals in our society. Throughout history, humans have strived to create a safer, more comfortable, and more trustworthy society. And since humans are societal beings, every human action affects the lives of others, which means that if the use of certain chemicals in plastic products, for example, would harm one group of people, then there is a possible chance that all people would be affected by the health issue in some forms. Concerns that range from health to economics to even politics and much more would arise. In fact, the industry’s unsafe use of toxic chemicals and the lack of care in informing the population of the potential dangers of their products are virtually putting the safety of the entire human race at risk. Therefore, if the action of one group can affect others, why not actively fight against the unjust use of toxic chemicals? We are all called to act to ensure the safety of the entire human community.
Image: http://www.womarketing.netsons.org/wp-content/affini_community.jpg
CST #3: Rights and Responsibilities
Although each human life is important, without the support of the human community the importance would be diminished. Politically speaking, all humans have the right to life – a safe and healthy life. In addition, considering that health reactions to certain chemicals vary between different people, it is important to note the human right to medical treatment when harm is done. So, in order to ensure the safety of all human beings, it is important that all consumers know exactly what kind of chemicals – in what concentrations – are in the products they buy. This means that governments, industries, NGOs, and individual humans all have a responsibility to take care of each other’s safety through regulation and accurate documentation of the chemicals.
Image: http://www.piperreport.com/archives/Images/Physician%20Drug%20Prescription.jpg
CST #4: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Despite the existence of toxic chemicals in products, studies show that many allergic reactions to the chemicals can be cured through a plethora of both prescriptive and non-prescriptive drugs. However, not all humans –a majority of the human population – have the luxury to lead healthy lives. Why? Because they cannot afford to see doctors or even purchase off-the-shelf medications. In fact, because these people are poor, they cannot afford proper education to learn about the health hazards of certain chemicals. In addition, the majority of the poverty-stricken population participates in low-paying jobs where toxic chemical exposure is high. In short, the poor are the most vulnerable the effects of toxic chemicals both at work and at home. Therefore, it is very important to think about who are significantly affected by the unethical distribution of harmful chemicals, and act to protect the poor and vulnerable.
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CST #5: The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
Work is more than a daily activity humans take part in. It is a way for humans to continue to participate in the development and care of God’s Creation, as members of God’s incredible creation. We show our appreciation for God’s love through work, as is for the “public welfare and the private good…in the state.” Because work is a very important part of human life, it is important that workers are able to work in a safe and healthy environment. In fact, workers – especially the low-wage factory workers – are the ones who are most exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals while handling various products, yet know nothing of the dangers. All workers have the right to know the dangers of the chemicals they are handling and to work in a safe environment.
Image: http://www.earthtechling.com/2010/01/e-waste-recycling-industry-worth-forecasted-14-7-billion-by-2014/
CST #6: Solidarity
All humans are part of one big family. No matter what our differences are politically, socio-economically, racially, or physically, we must all come together to solve a major issue that threatens the safety of the entire humans race. Therefore, it is the duty as human beings to take care of each other’s safety. One way to accomplish this is by having strict regulation of toxic chemical distribution in the everyday products we use and by making sure the customers are aware of the potential dangers of the chemicals in the products. By working together to ensure that humans can live a chemically “safe” lifestyle, we may soon learn to “love our neighbors as ourselves.”
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CST #7: Care for God’s Creation
According to the Catholic Church, all living and non-living things on Earth and in the heavens are part of God’s creation. As members of God’s creation, it is our duty as humans to show our gratitude to God by treating each other with love as well as caring for the animals and the environment. From computers to drugs to even plastic products, chemicals are everywhere, which means that the potential for environmental contamination exist. Whenever industries add toxic chemicals in products, the safety of both animals and the environment is in danger. In addition, unethical actions like littering may lead to heightened possibility of chemical exposure to the environment.
Image: http://www.cejournal.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/122208pond18_t600148481.jpg
