Another Enemy Within
‘Chemical and pharmaceutical companies are knowingly, and with the backing of government legislation, exposing the population to substances that are known to cause a variety of cancers, primary organ toxicity, gland dysfunction, immune system corruption, brain modification, et cetera, et cetera.’
The above statement in Psyclone was included to raise awareness about another important issue that people need to be made aware of for their own health and that of their families.
It’s a fact that the general health of people in the developed world is deteriorating at a rapid rate. The situation is such that most of us know someone, or know of someone who has had or died from a serious disease such as cancer. The responsibility for this situation can be placed on chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and governments that ensure that regulation of these companies is ineffective. Governments rely on tests conducted by or paid for by the manufacturers. Antiquated regulations and laws govern the production and use of most chemicals and products on the market today. In many cases the regulations were written by the regulated industry itself. Each attempt at protective and precautionary legislation is thwarted by industry using the influence of its substantial accumulation of money.
The most dangerous and numerous chemicals are those called Endocrine Disruptors. Alone, these chemicals can mimic the hormones of our bodies. Combinations of them can create a synergy, increasing the toxicity by multiples rather than an additive formula, creating a significantly more powerful toxin. A few of the possible health effects of Endocrine Disruptors include; birth defects; alterations in sexual and functional development; neurologic disorders, diabetes mellitus, immunologic disorders, early puberty in young girls, cancers: breast, colon, vaginal, endometriosis, cervix, testicular, sexual differentiation of the brain and other estrogen target tissues, structural abnormalities of the oviduct, uterus, cervix and vagina, a contributing factor to subfertility, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, reduced physical stamina, genital birth defects: hypospadias & cryptorchidism, reduced sperm counts, and enlargement/reduction of prostate, developmental, behavioural and mental disorders, anger, inattention, decreased mental capacity, learning disabilities, dyslexia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, propensity to violence, reduced motor skills, and gross and fine eye-hand coordination.
This important article published in Fundamentals of Naturopathic Endocrinology (CCNM Press, 2005) covers the subject of Endocrine Disruptors in detail and provides a much-needed insight into the role of chemicals in our health.
Knowing what I do about television, I’m not one for exposing myself to it, but whenever I do I’m struck with the preponderance of adverts for cleaning products, washing powders and conditioners, and room ‘fresheners’ that create a ‘lasting fragrance’. After reading the above article you'll see that kind of product in a different light. This Wake-up World article provides details of one type of example. The Greenpeace report Dirty Laundry 2 provides details of hormone disrupting chemicalsfound in brand name clothing.
