Chemical Security is Community Security
The Danvers, Massachusetts chemical plant explosion should motivate policy makers and citizens to assess community vulnerabilities statewide and take steps to reduce chemical hazards, especially in residential areas and schools. The activity would be an opportunity for communities to create a new appreciation for the positive role of government as the protector of public health, safety and the public's right to know and control what the chemical industry puts in our air, water, food, and bodies.
This disaster is also an opportunity for officials to educate the public about hazards to health and safety. If we have learned anything from the aftermath of 9/11, there is an urgent need to stop the false assurances that hazardous solvent vapors and fumes from burning buildings and toxic runoff are "safe."
Recommended Resources
"The Safe Hometowns Guide," How to do a Community Reassessment of Chemical Site Safety and Security after September 11, 2001. http://www.ehw.org/Chemical_Accidents/SafeHometownExecSum.pdf
"Chemical Industry vs. Public Interest: Redefining the Public Debate on Chemical Security," Niaz Dorry and Nityanand Joyaraman, For No More Bhopals Alliance, June, 2004. http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/usa/press/reports/chemical-industry-vs-public-i.pdf
1 
