The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #109523   Message #2302328
Posted By: Alice
31-Mar-08 - 03:17 PM
Thread Name: BS: The smoking ban & pubs
Subject: RE: BS: The smoking ban & pubs
This thread made me think about businesses and activities that have disappeared or changed because of their danger. Hatters used to use mercury, which they do not any more. Miners have more safety equipment now than they did in the past. We don't use lead water pipes or make lead paint any more. Things change. We have more information and experience as time goes by, and that affects businesses and the way we live. My university education in painting was in the early 70's. There are toxic pigments in some paints that are not sold any more. I used to breathe in lots of fumes in painting and print making, not realizing the danger. Once we have the information about risks, it will affect business and behavior. Can you put a price on human life to keep a business from closing?