Let’s Get Our Children Off the Chemical Treadmill

Cancer among baby boomers is rising and may be linked to environmental hazards, according to a federal study. Whatever this means for adults, the meaning will be amplified for children.

Since 1940, the annual U.S. production of synthetic organic chemicals has increased nearly 100-fold. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 3.5 billion pounds of toxic chemicals are released directly into the air, surface water, land or underground injection wells each year.

Most toxic chemicals exert multiple effects. Many are highly persistent in the environment and in our bodies. We know that 390 compounds cause cancer, yet most of these are not well-tested.

A disturbing body of data is also developing about the ability of these substances to disrupt the human endocrine system. Adverse effects can include reduced male sperm count, testicular atrophy and infertility.

How much more study and debate do we need? The release of massive quantities of chemicals into homes, and workplaces is not good for our health. Already we may be seeing the consequences in our children.

Cancer is now the No. 1 disease killer of children from late infancy through early adulthood. The overall incidence of childhood cancer has been increasing, particularly brain and nervous system cancer and acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Because they eat more food, drink more water and breathe more air as a percentage of their body weight than adults, children receive a greater dose of whatever chemicals are present in the air, food or water. A significant report by the National Academy of Sciences clearly demonstrated that children receive greater doses of pesticides in food than adults, a fact ignored by the current federal regulatory system.

Federal legislation to better protect our children from pesticides in the food supply would be an important start. But ultimately, we must get off this chemical treadmill.