BODY BURDEN
BODY BURDEN
Introduction to Chemical Assault
"The post-war chemical revolution has resulted in global contamination. Thousands of substances have been released into the environment with few prior checks on their potential for causing long term harm. For many years, little attention was paid to what happened to these substances after they were released. However, it has now been realised that many are persistent and can cause unwanted effects in the longer term. Sometimes it is the parent molecule itself which is particularly hazardous, while in other cases, it can be a degradation product or a metabolite which is more harmful."
- Chemical Trespass: A toxic legacy - by Gwynne Lyons July 1999
The human race is now contaminated with hundreds of synthetic chemicals, which were not found in our ancestors. Exposure in the womb to these contaminants can cause birth defects and affect our children's future ability to reproduce and their susceptibility to diseases, including cancer.
In some cases, developmental problems can result, such that the affected children may never reach their full potential. Put simply, the integrity of the next generation is at stake. Protecting our children from the legacy of these chemicals is a major challenge to modern society.
IPEN Body Burden Community Monitoring Handbook - 2005
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