Pollutants in Our Environment Pollute Our Health

Toxins in its various forms and the effect on the body is becoming an increasingly pervasive phenomenon with troubling results. According to a study released by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, 214 pollutants were tested in 9 participants in 5 states. 171 pollutants were found in blood and urine samples despite the fact that none of the participants lived near industrial areas. Here is some of what was found:

• 76 chemicals linked to cancer in humans or animals,
• 94 chemicals that are toxic to the brain and nervous system,
• 86 chemicals that interfere with the hormone system,
• 79 chemicals associated with birth defects or abnormal development,
• 77 chemicals toxic to the reproductive system, and
• 77 chemicals toxic to the immune system

The study confirms what scientists have suspected for decades: that there are dozens of environmental pollutants in the average person's body. These chemicals range from industrial compounds, metals to pesticides. Although, the exact health implications are not known, scientists are raising questions about the cumulative effects of the combination of toxins and the linkages to increased birth defects and autism since the 1970's.

The Environmental Working Group at Mount Sinai School of Medicine maintains a website with interesting research and articles on the subject at www.bodyburden.org

The following are links to articles related to the subject of pollutants and health:

Air Pollutants, Autism Linked in Bay Area Study (Los Angeles Times)

Study Links Pesticides with Parkinson's (Reuters)

Texas study links pollution to child cancer (Reuters)

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