During her discussion on September 25, titled "Living Downstream," Sandra Steingraber outlined the devastating effects chemical toxins can have on the human body, more specifically, during the reproductive process. The ecologist, author and mother began with her own life's story. Diagnosed with bladder cancer at the age of 20, Steingraber persevered through her illness and became dedicated to researching the effects of toxic chemicals on the body. Such topics of her research include the contaminants found in drinking water, as well as the way toxic chemicals could work their way into a woman's body and confront the fetus, better known as "fetal toxicology."
Beginning the discussion, Steingraber posed the same story with two different endings. That story is the one of reproduction. The first described the normal, "healthy" process of reproduction, while the second described reproduction affected by a stream of toxic chemicals in the body. She explained how vulnerable the reproduction process is to harmful chemicals, mentioning that such toxins as pesticides are especially destructive in men, usually resulting in a lower sperm count.
She also mentioned that ovarian eggs are especially fragile and vulnerable to cigarette smoking, noting that toxins in tobacco can "insinuate itself in the DNA of an ovary," thereby altering the very genes of which it consists.
Steingraber also discussed the issue of miscarriages and their relations to toxins. She outlined that toxins found in diesel exhaust, laundry detergents and even nail salons could all be reasons for miscarriages. These chemicals "trespass into your body," she noted, "and these chemicals you may be using can end a human pregnancy." Also addressing the stages of fetal development, Steingraber mentioned that birth defects, including mental retardation, are linked to toxins such as lead and mercury. She went on to say these chemicals can prevent the fetal brain from connecting brain cells, a crucial step in fetal development.
Steingraber addressed the role the government, economy and health system play in the reproductive process in regard to harmful chemicals. She noted that health care policies for premature babies, which can be caused by toxins, is incredibly expensive and should be a "national health priority." She went on to say that "Fertility is related to air pollution. How fertile you are may be related to Dick Cheney's energy policy." All these, she says, are examples of how are health is affected by our environment. She even went so far as to say that toxins "trespassing" into our bodies can be seen as a violation of the 4th amendment, "security of person." She feels that more needs to be done by our government in effort to reduce the amount of chemicals that enter our bodies.
Among topics that Steingraber is currently researching are the effects of chemicals on the falling age of pubescent development in U.S. girls. "Toxins," she explained, "work their way into the female body during pregnancy and can cause premature births. This can lead to early sexual development as well as obesity." Steinbgraber is also studying the effects of toxins on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. "Early life, adolescents, and old age are windows of vulnerability of the life span," she noted.
Ending her discussion with a reading from her book, Having Faith, Steingraber recalled her own personal account of pregnancy and giving birth. Weaving together her personal story with scientific evidence, Steingraber effectively reached listeners with her message.
Steingraber is a distinguished visiting scholar at Ithaca College as well as the author of two books. Living Downstream: An Ecologist Looks at Cancer and the Environment, looks at the dangers of chemical toxins as a human rights issue. Her second book, Having Faith, incorporates the effect of toxins on fetal development as well as a look at her own experience with pregnancy.
-- by Danielle Raulli '10
Beginning the discussion, Steingraber posed the same story with two different endings. That story is the one of reproduction. The first described the normal, "healthy" process of reproduction, while the second described reproduction affected by a stream of toxic chemicals in the body. She explained how vulnerable the reproduction process is to harmful chemicals, mentioning that such toxins as pesticides are especially destructive in men, usually resulting in a lower sperm count.
She also mentioned that ovarian eggs are especially fragile and vulnerable to cigarette smoking, noting that toxins in tobacco can "insinuate itself in the DNA of an ovary," thereby altering the very genes of which it consists.
Steingraber also discussed the issue of miscarriages and their relations to toxins. She outlined that toxins found in diesel exhaust, laundry detergents and even nail salons could all be reasons for miscarriages. These chemicals "trespass into your body," she noted, "and these chemicals you may be using can end a human pregnancy." Also addressing the stages of fetal development, Steingraber mentioned that birth defects, including mental retardation, are linked to toxins such as lead and mercury. She went on to say these chemicals can prevent the fetal brain from connecting brain cells, a crucial step in fetal development.
Steingraber addressed the role the government, economy and health system play in the reproductive process in regard to harmful chemicals. She noted that health care policies for premature babies, which can be caused by toxins, is incredibly expensive and should be a "national health priority." She went on to say that "Fertility is related to air pollution. How fertile you are may be related to Dick Cheney's energy policy." All these, she says, are examples of how are health is affected by our environment. She even went so far as to say that toxins "trespassing" into our bodies can be seen as a violation of the 4th amendment, "security of person." She feels that more needs to be done by our government in effort to reduce the amount of chemicals that enter our bodies.
Among topics that Steingraber is currently researching are the effects of chemicals on the falling age of pubescent development in U.S. girls. "Toxins," she explained, "work their way into the female body during pregnancy and can cause premature births. This can lead to early sexual development as well as obesity." Steinbgraber is also studying the effects of toxins on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. "Early life, adolescents, and old age are windows of vulnerability of the life span," she noted.
Ending her discussion with a reading from her book, Having Faith, Steingraber recalled her own personal account of pregnancy and giving birth. Weaving together her personal story with scientific evidence, Steingraber effectively reached listeners with her message.
Steingraber is a distinguished visiting scholar at Ithaca College as well as the author of two books. Living Downstream: An Ecologist Looks at Cancer and the Environment, looks at the dangers of chemical toxins as a human rights issue. Her second book, Having Faith, incorporates the effect of toxins on fetal development as well as a look at her own experience with pregnancy.
-- by Danielle Raulli '10
