Lead and the laws governing it in the UK Case Study

Lead and the laws governing it in the UK - Case Study Example It has numerous industrial and domestic purposes because it has a low melting point and can easily be moulded into any shape or form. Nevertheless, despite the advantages of lead, it has many disadvantages. The effects of lead include lead poisoning resulting in "chronic effects on the nervous system - paralysis of motor nerves, poor aptitude (especially in children) and other effects on cognitive functions." ( Agius R 2006). Moreover, a study (Ferguson D & Horwood J L) has proven that hildren with high levels of lead in their blood score less on tests than those with lower levels of lead. Therefore, it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the use of lead. Alternative methods to lead exist hence it is not worth risking the prejudice to human health and safety. The problem of the effects of lead has caused alarm in the United Kingdom. Numerous employees are affected or have the potential to be affected by lead. These include plumbers, glass manufacturers, construction workers, painters and petrol attendants. This has resulted in the enactment of legislation in order to control this problem. The Control of Lead at Work Regulations Act of 2002 stipulates that "an employer shall not carry out work which is liable to expose any employees to lead unless he has made a suitable and sufficient of the risk..." (Section 5(1)). The Act further regulates the conditions under which lead may be used. These conditions are very stringent and absolute. The Government has enforced a number of measures in order to curb the drastic effects of the use of lead. One of these measures was to ban the sale of lead fishing weights in 1986 as this had a negative impact on fish as well as humans who would eventually consume the fish. Moreover, the Department of Environment introduced a consultation paper in March 1997 in order to ban the use of lead shot in wetlands. The Code of Good Shooting Practice has been introduced to ensure that non-lead shots are used when hunting. Therefore, in terms of the environmental impact of lead, the Government and the Department of Environment have had a general success rate of curbing the effects of lead. There are of course problems with violators of the law; however, close monitoring and penalties have eased this problem. The environment is one element of the problem. On the other hand, the health impacts of the use of lead are devastating. According to the 2009 Berkeley Report, "Decreased brain function in adults has been associated with blood lead concentrations of 20 to 50 ug/100ml." The report further states that Government removes workers from exposure when their lead level exceeds this amount. It appears at first glance that this is an ideal remedy. However, studies have shown that exposure to lead has a cumulative effect. The affected person will still suffer from lead poisoning when re-exposed to the lead environment. This solution thus has a yo-yo effect. The Health and Safety Executive of the United Kingdom adheres to various legislation on the use of lead and also implements various campaigns to control the problems associated with the use of lead. However, the Health and Safety Executive is diverse and deals with health and safety issues in general. Thus the problem associated with lead is not addressed in isolation. It is merely treated as one of the health and safety problems in the country. Indeed, the Health and S

American history between 1800 and 1877 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

American history between 1800 and 1877 - Essay Example Overview of the battle As discussed by Campbell the battle ensued with the Union and the Confederate taking sides on their meeting in Manassas, Virginia (109). With both sides planning to attack the other’s side, the armies were prepared for the toughest battle of the time. However, the plan aborted on the side of the Union, as the Confederates discovered the Union’s plan to attack the Confederate’s side; thus, a withdrawal to the north, in Washington. However, the army of the Confederate did not follow the Union’s troops. Young is clear to say that the confederate army was not well prepared to fight the Union, and their failure was more of automatic (178). This First Battle of Bull Run did not have a lasting significance in terms of military ability. Young is of the opinion that the battle was simply one that was keen to draw an army of amateurs, and led by amateurs (178). Campbell adds on to say that the 1861 Battle of Bull Run was one that was really hu miliating and the defeat of the 35000 men under General McDowell Irvin is one that is notable(108). In this case, it is justifiable to say that this historical moment is memorable in the history of the great nation. Campbell insists that the Bull Run was a dismay series of the Union’s loss in the battlefield under Lincoln administration (108). Implications of the 1861, 1st Battle of Bull Run The Battle- End of slavery and segregation Carlisle & Golson indicate that the Southern defeat in the Battle had a profound implication on the military history of USA, as well as the entire political arena (54). The defeat of the Confederation disrupted the conditions of coming up with a Civil Rights Movement in the 1860s and completely end the discrimination and segregation of persons in the United States of America (54). In as much the war led to the loss of a lot of lives, discrimination was still prevalent in the society, though the war was instrumental in the ban of slave trade and s lavery in USA. However, Carlisle& Golson argue that despite the fact that the war was short-lived, the society in America was slowly being reconstructed and that a new identity was beginning to unfold in America (54). No party was fighting for supremacy and control of territory and that amendments were made to improve the social landscape of the country (Carlisle & Golson 54). In this case, the Battle of Bull Run was instrumental in creating a civil war that would see to the rights of Americans adhered to, and the abolition of slave trade that had profound effects on the lives of the Americans. The Battle can then be described as the pillar of hope to the equality, justice and impartiality enjoyed by the American citizens. It is evident that the Confederate side won the 1861, Battle of Bull Run. However, it is of great importance to note the challenges facing the Confederate in the quest to succeed in the battle. It is evident that the troops were terribly disorganized in such a way that they could barely administer authority on pursuing the Yankees, who had earlier arrived in Washington by 22nd July (Haven 60). The First Manassas in the South cost the Union about 3000 casualties as opposed to the 1750 on the side of the Confederates (Haven 58). According to Haven, the outcome of the war rendered the persons of the north hold on to a false hope, and the southerners’ false hope of being the successful group (59). In real sense, the Union and