Vulnerable Populations

Cells during the division phase are at an increased risk for damage. When dividing cells are exposed to toxic chemicals, they can have alternations in their DNA sequence, causing a variety of different or unexpected effects. Fetuses, infants, and children who are growing and developing are at an increased risk for toxic chemical exposure because of their rapidly dividing cells. We are exposed to over 300 chemicals during embryonic development, including atrazine. Atrazine, an agricultural pesticide, has been shown in animal studies to be a significant reproductive toxin, resulting in hydospadias, cryptorchidism, micropenis development. Atrazine also causes immune failure, neural damage, and spontaneous abortions. Atrazine has even been shown to have epigenetic effects in animal studies and, therefore, causing damage for generations.

Toxic chemical exposure has also been shown to alter brain development in children resulting in a life-long impact. Children in the United States have documented levels of toxic chemicals produced by industry waste. Mercury is detected in 89% of children, lead in 100% of children, organophosphate pesticides in 83% of children, BPA in 96% of children, and 100% of children have PCBs and PBDEs. These exposures are not in isolation. Chemicals can be biologically active at the ppb level. As the concentration of PBDE increases in the pregnant woman, the intellectual capacity decreases and IQ scores drop. Similar patterns are found with organophosphate pesticides. Lead exposures also have shown to have a negative impact on brain development such that the CDC says that there is no safe level of exposure of lead.



A similar theme keeps emerging. Unregulated industry is making us sick. Why should industry be allowed to continue to threaten our health and the health of future generations?

What you can do…
1.     Write a letter to your representative.
2.     Require industry to test products before they enter the market
3.     Eat fresh organic foods.
4.     Avoid canned foods or processed foods
5.     Don’t use pesticides.
6.     Check for lead hazards.
7.     Frequently clean the floors


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