Industrial Self-Regulation and the Public Interest

As the affluence of the American society grows, a concern about such matters as health, education, and welfare has also become more apparent. Some concern derives from technological breakthroughs which require control, such as the development of aircraft for mass transportation. In other cases, increased recognition of serious threats to public health and safety has led various groups of aroused citizens to advocate governmental control. Today, growing numbers of individuals and organizations believe that the consumer’s health and safety are not being adequately protected in at least two areas-cigarettes and automobiles. Thus, the following discussion is directed to the vital issue of whether these two industries can voluntarily advance consumers’ interests through the imposition of adequate safety and health standards, or whether widened federal intercession is essential.