Knowledge Can Be Upsetting--But It Can Also Be Empowering
A major issue in modern day life is the growing number of serious health problems besieging children and their families. Asthma, autism, attention deficit disorder are only a few of the worrisome syndromes that are on the rise.
Health professionals and environmentalists are trying to determine the reasons for the increase. One area that is increasingly in the spotlight involves industrial chemicals. They include chemicals used in clothing, cleaning products, furniture--to name just a few. These substances are so inextricably woven into our lives that we are generally not aware of them.
But, in line with a recent CNN headline, it is clear that we ought to be. The headline read Tests reveal high chemical levels in kids' bodies It showed not simply that the chemicals are accumulating in our bodies. It also showed that children often have chemical exposure levels that are massively higher than those of their parents. This news is particularly disturbing since children up to six years old are most at risk. Their vital organs and immune system are still developing and hence they are far more vulnerable to environmental dangers.
These findings come via a new technology that can reveal a range of chemicals that we have ingested--through our skin, through our breathing, and in other ways as well.. It's often referred to as "body burden" testing, meaning that it permits testing for toxic substances that are imposing a chemical "burden" on our bodies.
Identification of these foreign substances is a person's body is not proof that they are causing actual damage. it is possible that they could be there and not be actively assaulting us. Nevertheless, their presence is a source of great concern and it has led both professionals and the general population to feel a sense of outrage that more has not been done to protect the population. As one activist parent stated, "I'm angry at my government for failing to regulate chemicals that are in mass production and in consumer products. I don't think it should have to be up to me to worry about what's in my couch.".
She may be right--but the current situation is what we have to live with. Fortunately, information is increasingly available--information that enables parents to take the steps that can protect their families. Some sites to turn to are:
www.healthyschools.org
www.calisafe.org
www.healthychildrenproject.org
www.calasthma.org
www.greenflagschools.org
