Toxic chemicals linked to the rising rates of endocrine disruption related diseases were recently found in a broad array of consumer products. The Silent Spring Institute tested 213 consumer products which included cleaning products, cosmetics, sunscreens, air fresheners, and other household items made by ubiquitous household brands, namely, Colgate, Procter & Gamble, Johnson and Johnson, and Seventh Generation. Test results revealed toxic chemicals in conventional and 'green' products, not listed on their labels; therefore, consumers have no way of knowing their contents. Alexandra Scranton, from Women's Voices for the Earth, who recently conducted their own tests for hidden toxic chemicals in brand name cleaning products stated, "Companies need to phase out these harmful chemicals, and we need a policy that standardized labeling guidelines for cleaning products, so companies can't keep these toxic chemicals a secret."
Environmental health advocates recognize these new studies confirm the fact that chemical exposure is playing a role in adverse health impacts and this has become an environmental concern. As we read in Chapter 6, Health and Reproductive Rights of our text, breast cancer is one important health issue closely tied to environmental problems. Exnoestrogens, or environmental estrogens, may play a role in the increasing incidence of breast cancer as well as testicular and other types of cancer. BPA, Bisphenal A, found in the lining of canned goods, is problematic as a carcinogen, and the list goes on and on.
Environmental health advocates recognize these new studies confirm the fact that chemical exposure is playing a role in adverse health impacts and this has become an environmental concern. As we read in Chapter 6, Health and Reproductive Rights of our text, breast cancer is one important health issue closely tied to environmental problems. Exnoestrogens, or environmental estrogens, may play a role in the increasing incidence of breast cancer as well as testicular and other types of cancer. BPA, Bisphenal A, found in the lining of canned goods, is problematic as a carcinogen, and the list goes on and on.
Besides products that fall into the cosmetic category and are used by women, many items are cleaning products. There is additional reason for concern for women's health since women generally do the majority of the housework. As we further read our text in Chapter 8, Women's Work Inside and Outside the Home, we see that gender norms that associate women, the home, and domesticity reinforce the assumption that housework and childcare are women's work.
Children are not without risk to exposure to other harmful toxic chemicals. "Phthalates, found in toys, have been linked to asthma, adverse impacts on brain development, and reproductive health problems in baby boys, have been banned in toys but are still prevalent in other products children come in contact with in schools and at home.
Absolutely, Shereen! Great work tying corporate responsibility to women's health, and women's work in the home. I do with those fighting for the cure (who I greatly admire) would also focus on PREVENTION. That said, as more women become informed about toxicity in our environment, we can share our information with other women. Class is also an issue, here, of course. Think of women who have no alternative but to clean houses for a living! Their exposure to toxicity is off the charts. I do have a house cleaner; she uses straight vinegar whenever possible (with my blessing); it's a great cleaner, and only resorts to other cleaners when necessary, and in certain spots...
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