The C Word

Episode description

Since the dawn of the chemical era more than 300,000 chemicals have been invented, and many are made from oil and natural gas. While some manufactured chemicals have indeed provided benefit (Disinfectants! Antibiotics!), they have also caused great harm. Manufactured chemicals pollute every corner of the planet. They kill bees, fish, and mammals. They nearly destroyed the ozone and, yes, they give us cancer.

Many types of cancer are on the rise in the US, and one explanation for this increase lies in our world of chemicals. On today's show environmental investigative reporter Kristina Marusic identifies the harmful environmental exposures linked to cancer; she also provides a step-by-step roadmap for reducing your cancer risk.

Here's a preview: 

[2:00] Breaking down exactly what's happening with cancer rates around the world and why

[12:00] The 3 Ps: 3 categories of pollutants that have clear links to childhood cancer

[20:00] Pay special attention to these preventable environmental exposures if you have children

[24:00] Revisiting the personal care product conundrum 

[28:00] The harmful environmental exposures you should zero in on at your child's daycare or school 

[36:00] In defense of being a loudmouth: You've been given a voice; here's how to best use it

Resources mentioned: 

• A New War on Cancer: The Unlikely Heroes Revolutionizing Prevention
• Sample letters to send to your child's school and school board (via Non-Toxic Communities) 
• The Cancer Free Economy Network 
• The EWG's Healthy Living App 
• Silent Spring Institute
• The Center for Health, Environment, and Justice

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