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What We Know, What We Need To Know.
Tens of thousands of chemicals are placed
in products and released to our environment, with virtually
no information on the potential consequences for our health
and little oversight by the government. In fact, no legal requirements
exist for ingredient labeling on household cleaning products.
Many household cleaners contain chemicals, some of which are
toxic. These chemicals may cause short-term health problems
like skin and eye irritation or even longterm health impacts
such as asthma.
Some chemicals in cleaning products have been linked to reproductive
harm, which
includes changes in sexual behavior, decreases in fertility,
menstrual changes, changes in the onset of puberty, (early
puberty is a known risk factor of breast cancer.), cancers
of reproductive organs, miscarriage, premature birth, and other
effects. Many scientists now believe that chemical exposure,
even at very low levels, can have adverse impacts on the reproductive
system. Unless we know what we are exposed to, our families
and most importantly our children are at risk.
Products we buy, chemicals we are exposed to must be tested
for their ability to disrupt the endocrine system that affects
timing of puberty. Chemical ingredients in consumer products
and their sources must be fully disclosed. The need
to be an educated consumer is paramount. The commitment to
change behavior patterns that expose us to harm should be a
priority by supporting policy changes that will protect our
health, seeking out reputable environmental groups in your
area and taking the time to read what they are doing lend your
support.
“Prevention Is The Cure” campaign goals are to
increase public awareness of environmental links to disease,
gain support for the precautionary principle as it applies
to public policy, encourage a “better safe than sorry” attitude
toward personal lifestyle, and urge the public to demand more
funding for environmental health research. We partner with
many groups across the country and we’re grateful for
their contributions. Feel free to check out the following websites: www.preventionisthecure.org, www.womenandenvironment.org, www.breastcancerfund.org;
and a recent article that appeared in The LA Times. This comprehensive
article entitled, “Girl,
you’ll be a woman sooner than expected.” states
that puberty is arriving ever younger in American females.
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