Toxic Chemicals and Cancer

Have you ever wondered if you're overly concerned about the chemicals in your home? Well, you're not.  In a landmark report issued today, Reducing Environmental Cancer Risks, the President’s Cancer Panel asserts that public health officials have “grossly underestimated” the links between cancer and toxic chemicals.

As stated in the report, research has shown that over 300 contaminants have been detected in umbilical cord blood of newborn babies and they warn that: “to a disturbing extent, babies are born ‘pre-polluted.” Unfortunately, we know first hand that everyday Oregonians are no different.  In OEC’s 2007 Pollution in People report , we detected toxic chemicals, including bisphenol A and mercury, in all ten of our Oregon participants.  

Many of the panel’s advice looks remarkable similar to tips we’ve been championing for years:

• Choose foods, toys and garden products with fewer endocrine disruptors or other toxic materials.
• Store food and beverages in glass or stainless steel containers, or in plastics that don’t contain BPA or phthalates. 
• Microwave food in ceramic or glass containers.

But we know that we can’t always shop our way out of the problem.  We need our elected officials to take action to protect the public’s health by implementing laws that prioritize our health and safety over corporate profits.  

The Safe Chemicals Act of 2010 is currently being considered in the U.S. Senate, with a similar bill being discussed in the House of Representatives. These bills would put the burden of proof on the chemical industry to demonstrate products are not toxic rather than require the government to prove they are harmful, a significant leap forward in protecting our health. 

The Panel notes in the report: "The burgeoning number and complexity of known or suspected environmental carcinogens compel us to act to protect public health, even though we may lack irrefutable proof of harm." Music to my ears.  Hopefully I’m not the only one listening.  

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