Hirst

Remember when it was safe to make ice cream from snow, drink from creeks in the wilderness, eat worms (you DID, didnt you?!), and breathe the air? I suspect folks under 30 are wondering what fantasy world Im talking about. That is profoundly sad to me because it means (1) that we have spoiled what was once a pristine planet, and (2) that some people have never experienced a world without poisoned land, water, and air.

Cancer and Planet Earth

Cancer is now the leading cause of death for individuals under age 85. Almost half of men, and more than one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in his or her lifetime. Some of the cancers that have increased rapidly in the last 20-30 years include melanoma, lymphomas, testicular, brain, and bone marrow cancers.1 These are terrible odds! Fortunately many cancers are survivable if diagnosed and treated early enough.

It is well-established that cancer evolves from a complicated combination of multiple exposures. 2 Which is why the origin of a cancer is not always easy to identify, and one reason that minimizing exposure to toxins is imperative. Another reason to minimize your toxic exposures where you can, is that many come to us insidiously, like thieves in the night, stealing our health and well-being stealthily and silently.

Involuntary vs. Voluntary Exposures: Involuntary exposures to carcinogens and other toxins are determined by where we live, play, work, and visit, and are essentially imposed upon us. For example: radon, arsenic, and other naturally occurring toxins in the soil and water; toxins in the materials of buildings where we live, work, study, or play; pollution from industry located in our air- and water-shedsthese are all imposed upon us and so out of our control.

By contrast, voluntary exposures could include dietary choices, smoking, hobbies, and household chemicals. [Voluntary is not as clear-cut as it first appears: for example, in the instance of children, poverty, and disability.] If we arent limiting at least the voluntary exposures, good health starts looking more like a crapshoot every day!

A philosophical and ethical question emerges here:

Are occupational exposures voluntary or involuntary? --And What is our responsibility? I have a very strong opinion about the responsibility of the individual, but I would love to know what you think about this issue. After youve pondered it, or even while you ponder it, please write and tell me your opinions and thoughts. cverret@prodaware.com Thanks! 1 Environmental & Occupational Causes of Cancer. Lowell Center for Sustainable Production 2 ibid

Cathy Verrt, Product Awareness Consulting, LLC 541-345-7084 (Eugene, Oregon) or e-mail: mailto:cverret@prodaware.com Visit our website: http://www.prodaware.com Were happy to answer your questions about chemical health and safety, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and Hazard Communication