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Review by
Richard Sumrall
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"When we learn to treat the
planet and all of its sacred elements with reverence and
respect, the Earth will be healthier and so will we." |
In his new book, "Dodging the Toxic Bullet," environmental lawyer and
Trudeau scholar David R. Boyd gives a compelling explanation of the health
risks we face in the natural and man-made world. Writing from the painful
experiences he has faced during the loss of family members to unexpected
illnesses, Boyd questions whether these events were random or "part of an
invisible epidemic -- the onslaught of disease and illness caused by the
environmental hazards that are everywhere in today's world."
Boyd's investigation identifies the many substances in our physical world
and how we can protect ourselves from their toxic effects. These harmful
effects can be found in the outdoor and indoor air we breathe, the food and
water we consume, the material things we buy and use, and the physical
hazards we face in our daily lives.
The indoor air we breathe
The pollutants that contribute to the poor quality of outdoor air are
documented; particle pollution, sulfurs, oxides and carbon monoxides are
some notable culprits.
But what about our indoor air? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental threats to
health. Because we spend most of our time indoors, this artificially created
environment can host numerous toxic substances. Among the most lethal are
tobacco smoke, radon, volatile organic compounds, combustion byproducts,
biological contaminants and asbestos.
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases emitted by products such
as paints, varnishes, preservatives, cleaning supplies, sprays, fresheners
and equipment. Simple solutions include avoiding products containing VOCs,
following all directions when using VOC-laced products and increasing the
supply of fresh air in your living space.
The things we buy and use
Comedian George Carlin once quipped: "The answer to the age-old question
‘Why are we here?' Plastic."
There is probably no greater source for exposure to hazardous materials
in our homes than through the manufactured products we buy and use. One
danger is the public's mistaken belief that anything you purchase has been
tested for safety by the government. In fact, Boyd argues that "the degree
of regulatory oversight of chemicals and consumer products around the world
is nowhere near sufficient to ensure that people's health is protected."
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These threats usually come in two forms: consumer products and hazardous
substances. Toxic ingredients can be found in everyday products like
pesticides, cosmetics, personal care products and nanotechnology products,
such as nanoparticles in sunscreen and toothpaste. Manufactured hazardous
substances include lead, mercury, PCVs, phthalates in plastic softeners and
fragrance enhancers, bisphenol A in plastics and sealants, and
flame-retardant chemicals known as PBDEs.
What is the best advice for parents trying to reduce their children's
exposure to these substances?
Boyd recommends that you "green" your home by
removing unnecessary products and using safer alternatives; safely store all
substances; check your children's toys for product recalls; be wary of
brightly colored plastic toys not manufactured in the U.S.; buy local, since
some foreign standards are low or nonexistent; limit children's contact with
certain lotions, soaps or powders; and avoid any chemicals that can pose a
threat during pregnancy.
Advocate for a healthy environment
Boyd acknowledges, "Millions of people lack the time, knowledge and
resources required to protect themselves from avoidable environmental
risks."
What can citizens do to stand up for a safer environment?
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Speak up. -- Convey your concerns to your elected officials and the
business community. Cast your ballot. -- Voting is the way that citizens can
exert the greatest influence on government policy.
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Harness the power of your money. -- Shop with companies that practice
corporate social responsibility; stop purchasing products with harmful
ingredients.
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Multiply your impact. -- Join organizations dedicated to a cleaner,
greener world. The American Heart Association and Healthy Child, Healthy
World are good examples.
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Boycott the bad actors. -- If you believe that a corporation or industry
demonstrates a callous disregard for public health, refrain from using their
goods and services.
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Require substitutes. -- Demand that harmful chemicals be replaced in
consumer products (for example, the switch from leaded to unleaded
gasoline).
"Dodging the Toxic Bullet" is a sobering indictment of the dangerous
chemical substances found in our everyday environment. This book is
recommended to anyone seeking current information on improving the condition
of their natural and artificial environment and how to make better decisions
on the use of consumer products.
[Text from file received
from Richard Sumrall,
Lincoln Public Library District] |
