Of course, major incidents like the debacle over Dursban undermine that claim. So the chemical industry has essentially abandoned it's efforts to change public opinion. As in most industries with health and safety issues, the chemical giants focus instead directly on Congress, where lobbying and campaign contributions are often more effective ways to wage their battle. Needless to say, they have been totally successful thus far. But the time may be ripe for change.
Polls show public sentiment is increasingly anti-corporate.
According to a recent Roper poll, half the population feels that environmental regulations haven't gone far enough.