Before the 70's changes in standards and society that probably lead to the environmental movements, what did people do with their old oil after an oil change on their car? There was no waste collection facility, nor were there draconic penalties as there now in most western industry nations. The rules for obtaining and disposing of chemicals also were essentially non-existent.
So I think the "environmental damage" was the least worry, if a thought at all at that time. Economics and the impact on war, hence on national sovereignty were the major factors. This has changed dramatically over the last 40 years.
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Scientific facts are not determined by the opinion of the majority, nor by a democratic vote.
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