worrying

lately i have been worrying about our future health as a society. the changes we see in our generation from the one before and why are of great concern to me. why do so many women in their 30s and 40s have breast cancer now? i worry that grace's generation may see these problems in their 20s. what can we do now? how do we fix this issue?


"from Physicians for Social Responsibility:



Pollutants Can Mimic or Block Hormones
Environmental exposure to compounds that can mimic or block the activities of hormones (endocrine disruptors) is of growing concern. Several known compounds have activity similar to the body's own estrogen. Two common EDC's studied specifically in our lab are PCB's and BPA. Polychlorinated hydroxybiphenyls, or PCBs, are a class of compounds some of which affect estrogen signaling pathways. Until the halt of their U.S. manufacture in 1977, PCB's were commonly used as lubricants and coolants in a wide variety of electrical equipment including common household items. Due to a very long half-life PCBs were found to build up in the environment, specifically in soil, sediment, and water, where they still exist today. Another prevalent environmental estrogen, bis-phenol A or BPA, is a building block of polycarbonate plastics and polystyrene resins. The common plastics made from BPA are found in the lining of metal food cans, in plastic milk, juice and water cartons, in baby bottles, in microwave oven ware, and in other widely used plastic and polystyrene food packages. PCB's and BPA enter the body through exposure to contaminated material, most commonly through ingestion of contaminated foods and water. Once in the body, these compounds and others like them can be circulated, metabolized, and/or stored by the body tissues where their effects can continue for long periods of time."