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Publication Announcement
Democratising technology: Risk, responsibility and the regulation of chemicals
26 September 2007
Earthscan
This book is one of two new titles in the Earthscan Science in Society Series. For a detailed list of all titles in this series see:
http://shop.earthscan.co.uk/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/744/groupID/7/categoryID/16
ABOUT THE BOOK
- Original, sweeping, critical examination of a key debate in science and technology: how society controls, governs and makes decisions about the development and use of technology
- Focuses on chemicals as the most pervasive technology on earth with wide ramifications for industry, government, society and the environment
- Detailed coverage of the new EU 2006 REACH regulation that requires chemical companies to divulge information about all substances in their chemicals in order to protect humans and the environment
Focusing on the most widespread and pervasive technology - chemicals - this groundbreaking volume peels apart the critical technology debate to look at the relationship between humans, technology and the biological world. It answers questions such as: what is technology? How do humans use it to build and modify the world? What are the relationships between technology, science, economics and democratic governance? What, if any, are our ethical and political responsibilities and choices in how we develop, deploy and control technology in democratic states?
Attention is also given to the immensely important new EU chemical regulations, REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals), the EU's largest ever legal framework, discussing the problems that are likely to occur in REACH's reliance on risk assessment methods and suggesting an alternative way forward for the regulation of chemicals. This volume is a breath of fresh air, providing much needed clarity and insight into the heart of the science and technology debates that are key to academic study, risk analysis and mitigation, as well as the domestic and international law, regulation and policy that govern all aspects of our relationship with the human and biological worlds.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne Chapman, a former environmental consultant, has a degree in biochemistry and a PhD in philosophy, and is involved in environmental campaigning and green politics.
CONTENTS
Introduction
What is Technology?
Technology as World-Building
Technology, Science and the Economy
The Regulation of Chemicals
Risk of Assessing Risks from Chemicals
The Ethical and Political Framework of Regulation
Responsibility
Making Decisions about Technology
http://shop.earthscan.co.uk/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/780/groupID/7/categoryID/17/v/13d16ad5-bd75-454e-9a5d-0b473234a22f