Health and well-being have always been an important concern for the public and especially for parents who are concerned about the food their children consume. It is a deep-set desire within all to ensure our nourishment is devoid of harmful chemicals and additives that may lead to severe health-related problems.
In recent political discussions, a question that often arises is who would contribute more towards an overall healthier nation – Vice President Kamala Harris or previous President Donald Trump?
Understated but substantial differences mark the divide between the two. Trump’s governance witnessed considerable relaxations in the regulations pertaining to toxic chemicals. On the other hand, the administration of Biden-Harris focused on limiting exposure to these harmful substances.
Highlighting an instance, it was in July 2017, months after assuming office, Trump decided to cancel a proposed ban on chlorpyrifos, an insecticide. This chemical is so potent that no safe consumption levels have been determined for children and infants. The decision was taken following a meeting with the CEO of Dow Chemical, the biggest manufacturer of chlorpyrifos, which notably contributed a substantial amount towards Trump’s inauguration ceremony.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that residue levels of this pesticide in commonly consumed foods by children were 140 times the limits considered safe for adults. However, upon assuming authority, the Biden-Harris administration restored the ban to ensure the health of the populace.
During Trump’s tenure, the EPA endorsed over a hundred new pesticide products. A significant number of them contain ingredients so toxic that they have been banned in other countries. These included several substances known for their lethal effects, such as paraquat, atrazine, and methyl bromide.
Trump’s EPA also chose to overlook the problem of PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” These substances, found in food, air, water, and even breast milk, are associated with several health issues, including cancer, birth defects, thyroid disease, and weakened immunity.
In stark contrast, Biden-Harris administration enacted the first-ever drinking water standard for PFAS and devoted over $1 billion to protect citizens from these lethal chemicals.
Regrettably, Trump’s administration saw the appointment of a former chemical industry lobbyist to head the EPA’s division on chemical oversight. This period, marked by disregarding numerous environmental protections, endangered not only our food and health but our air and water quality as well. In response, the present administration of Biden-Harris have revived and strengthened many of these crucial protections.
Moreover, Trump only fueled these issues by scrapping stronger organic animal welfare rules intended to boost the health of our meat supply for humans and animals alike. The current administration, nevertheless, has reinstated these safeguards.
Despite these facts, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has launched an ambitious campaign titled “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) on Trump’s behalf. While Kennedy insists Trump would abolish detrimental food additives, reduce processed foods, and ensure a toxic-free environment, these claims do not align with Trump’s past actions and the interests of his significant corporate supporters, such as Big Agriculture and the chemical industry.
In conclusion, for those who are concerned about toxic chemicals in our food and environment, Kamala Harris decidedly presents a better choice. Therefore, it is always prudent to remember that the health of our nation is incredibly crucial, and the right choice can help ensure a healthier, less toxic future.
