We encounter chemicals in consumer products every day, but we probably don't think about whether they might have harmful effects. Jerry Kay discussed this with Lisa Wanser of Breast Cancer Action.
We encounter chemicals every day, in hair products, in cleansers, and in sun screen. But we probably don't think about whether these generally helpful products might have harmful effects.
Jerry Kay spoke to Lisa Wanser, Associate Director of Breast Cancer Action:
Wanser said there are more than 85,000 chemicals in product circulation, and those chemicals end up in our land and water and air. More than 80% of them have never been tested for their effects on human health.
The way science is done, it's hard to make an exact link between exposure and breast cancer, she said. Breast Cancer Action's policy recommendations, then, include replacing the chemicals that we already know cause some harm, and replacing them with a safer alternative.
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If you want to learn more about Breast Cancer Action, visit the organization's website at www.bcaction.org.
Be sure to check out EarthNews Radio's home here at ENN regularly. Jerry Kay interviews environmentalists, scientists, and activists on a wide variety of topics; these 90-second blasts of useful information are sure to make you think -- and may prompt you to act. You can find them at ENN Radio Network.
