Legislative Findings

The Legislature finds that:

(1)Residents of Guam are being constantly exposed to a large number of dangerous chemical substances and mixtures;

(2)Among the many chemical substances and mixtures which are being developed and produced, there are some whose manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal may present an unreasonable risk or injury to human health or the environment;

(3)Individuals have a well-grounded fear of injury or illness arising from exposure to such dangerous chemical substances and mixtures;

(4)Because of the toxicity of certain chemical substances and mixtures, no definite testing of the effects of these chemical substances and mixtures on humans is available;

(5)Tests conducted on animals indicate that certain chemical substances and mixtures are very harmful to animals and may cause harm to humans;

(6)The effective protection of the physical and mental health of Guam's residents and their ability to enjoy life requires that those exposed to certain chemical substances and mixtures be compensated by those responsible for the manufacture and distribution of those substances; and

(7)For a variety of reasons, including lack or ambiguity of data, the long lead time between exposure and illness, and the presence of disease from other causes, case law in other jurisdictions has created an unacceptable burden on persons exposed to toxic substances to prove causation and the likelihood of harm. COL120106 CH. 41 TOXIC SUBSTANCES E XPOSURE COMPENSATION ACT