Answer to Question 1
Public pressure from environmental advocacy groups
Influence of environmental advocates within elected bodies and governmental organizations
Potential to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace
Improved public relation
Customer demand
Fear of liability and risk
Pre-empt new and additional government oversight
Reduced duplication
De facto requirement to adopt a standard
Get ahead of governmental adoption
Answer to Question 2
Much work remains to be done about environmental safety and health. The following actions are recommended by the EPA:
Acid rain. Gradually reduce sulfur oxide emissions while concurrently avoiding expensive new regulation-induced clampdowns until sufficient evidence is available to justify such actions.
Ground-level ozone. Develop new regulations that focus on gas stations and other small sources of ground-level ozone emissions while concurrently avoiding any new drastic restrictions on automobile emissions.
Global warming. Focus more on the use of nuclear power while continuing efforts to use fossil fuels more efficiently.
Water pollution. Build more sewage treatment plants throughout the nation as quickly as possible.
Toxic wastes. Develop and implement incentive programs to encourage a reduction in the volume of toxic waste.
Garbage. Increase the use of recycling while simultaneously reducing the overall waste stream. Burn or bury what cannot be recycled, but under strict controls.
Lead. Better protective clothing and hygiene facilities should be provided for employees in lead-contaminated workplaces.
Mercury. Better detection, mitigation, and elimination of mercury in work and home environments.
The national quality forum list of serious reportable events
To Do List
Trends in Hurricane Activity
Operator using personal protection equipment.
Obesity Trends among U.S. Adults Over the last two decades
Coral growth rings as an indicator of environmental change