Exposed

Mark Schapiro's new book Exposed investigates how corporations intent on thwarting stricter environmental and health guidelines here in the U.S. are forced to meet new demands by the European Union to improve their products. The resulting global economic power shift places Brussels, not Washington, in the driver's seat.
View: Selected sources for Exposed
Listen: An Interview with Mark Schapiro on KQED's Forum
BUY: Exposed on Amazon.com

America used to lead the world in protecting its citizens from environmental harm. Not any more. Other countries are banning toxic chemicals that Americans still use. CIR's interactive map shows how the European Union, and even China, are cracking down as the U.S. loses clout.

As safety scandals dampen the public's appetite for cheap imports, the European Union is raising doubts about standards and oversight in the US toy manufacturing industry—which uses many toxic chemicals banned elsewhere. This cover story in The Nation magazine is adapted from Mark Schapiro's new book, Exposed.

Why poisonous, unregulated chemicals end up in our blood. This excerpt of Schapiro's book appeared in the October 2007 issue of Harper's magazine.

The E.U. is confronting American manufacturers with a dilemma -- conform to Europe’s stricter health and environmental standards, or give up the European market. This 2004 article and radio piece provided the initial reporting for Schapiro's book, Exposed.
LISTEN: Brussels Clout A CIR-Marketplace radio investigation