A New Call for Caution About Chemicals

An advance description of a forthcoming report by the President’s Cancer Panel:

It [the report] calls on America to rethink the way we confront cancer, including much more rigorous regulation of chemicals.

Traditionally, we reduce cancer risks through regular doctor visits, self-examinations and screenings such as mammograms. The President’s Cancer Panel suggests other eye-opening steps as well, such as giving preference to organic food, checking radon levels in the home and microwaving food in glass containers rather than plastic.

In particular, the report warns about exposures to chemicals during pregnancy, when risk of damage seems to be greatest. Noting that 300 contaminants have been detected in umbilical cord blood of newborn babies, the study warns that: “to a disturbing extent, babies are born ‘pre-polluted.’ ”

In case you’re wondering, the members of the panel are Bush appointees.

Update:  full report is now available here.

carcinogens, chemical policy, green chemistry, President's cancer panel