Report measures carcinogens in American people in new report

Federal health officials have measured many of the carcinogens in people’s systems before, but have never truly examined the scope of the problem. The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit environmental research organization based in the District of Columbia, has done just that in the report, “The Pollution in People: Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Americans’ Bodies.”

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According to report author Curt DellaValle, PhD, senior scientist at EWG, the presence of a carcinogen is not necessarily enough to cause harm, but the report shows humans are exposed to an astounding number of carcinogens, and those carcinogens are building up in people’s systems.

In fact, researchers have identified up to 420 cancer-causing chemicals in blood, urine, hair and other human samples. The EWG report also found nine of the chemicals identified in the report were measured at levels that exceed Environmental Protection Agency safety standards and can pose a significant cancer risk in most Americans.

“At any given time some people may harbor dozens or hundreds of cancer-causing chemicals,” said Dr. DellaValle. “This troubling truth underscores the need for greater awareness of our everyday exposure to chemicals and how to avoid them.”

The report suggests federal law provide the EPA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the ability to limit or ban carcinogens in everyday project, as well as prohibit industry-financed “safe lists” of substances that get a free pass from regulation.

 

More articles on carcinogens:
Healthier Hospitals outlines furniture and materials healthcare facilities should avoid
WHO: Processed meats lead to bowel cancer
California considers banning e-cigarettes in public places

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