You are on page 1of 5

Discussion Question No.

2:
1. To what extent do differences in perception of
risk justify the transfer of such merchandise
and production processes to other countries?

2. Is this an activity that can or should be


regulated?
Background
› In some technologically advanced nations, a number of
industries that have found themselves restricted by safety
regulations have resorted to dumping their products on-or
moving their production processes to-less developed countries
where higher risks are tolerated.
Problem
› To what extent do differences in perception of risk justify the
transfer of such merchandise and production processes to
other countries?
› Is this an activity that can or should be regulated?
Presentation of Facts
› Electronic Wastes
– It is legal to export discarded goods to poor countries if they can be reused or refurbished,
much is being sent to Africa or Asia under false pretenses. Much is falsely classified as 'used
goods' although in reality it is non-functional.
› Pharmaceutical Waste
– Once companies have secured contracts they sell drugs that are banned or restricted in other
countries, and dump drugs on Third World markets whose expiration dates are near.
› Philippine Law
– restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture, processing, sale, distribution, use and
disposal of chemical substances and mixtures that present unreasonable risk and/or injury to
health or the environment
– prohibit the entry, even in transit, of hazardous and nuclear wastes and their disposal into the
Philippine territorial limits for whatever purpose; and to provide advancement and facilitate
research and studies on toxic chemicals.
› International Treaty
– the Basel Convention, is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the movements
of hazardous wastes between nations, and specifically to prevent transfer of hazardous waste
from developed to less developed countries
Answer to Questions
› To what extent do differences in perception of risk justify the
transfer of such merchandise and production processes to other
countries?
– Risks is not prohibited any Law
– Beneficial to both countries
– When the third world countries (TWCs) have the means to
regulate merchandises or operations of first world countries to
TWCs.
– When developed countries follow the law TWCs regarding their
waste disposal and other environmental concerns.
– When merchandises meet the set standards of developing
countries regarding the toxic contents of the products.
– When importing of merchandises and transfer of operations to
developing countries would give jobs to TWCs.
Answer to Questions
› Is this an activity that can or should be regulated?
– YES, it should be regulated because every county if not all set
laws and regulations about waste management.
– However, developed countries grab the opportunity to dump
their wastes to third world countries because of the following
reasons:
› Lack of technology on waste management
› Lack of awareness of the citizens
› Culture of third world countries
› Poor data collection and record keeping
› Poor medical services both in terms of quality and availability
Diverse locations
› Financial constraints at the national and individual level

You might also like