News Coverage
Public has a right to know about carcinogens
Published August 5, 2003
Bob Downing's excellent July 8 story headlined ''Body pollution'' combined two current critical health issues facing Ohioans. One is the mix of chemicals inside each of us, and the other is the Teflon chemical contaminating mid-Ohio Valley water that's under investigation. Downing's story showed that what you don't know can hurt you -- and researchers are fighting industry to keep the public informed.
Downing's example of the Teflon chemical issue was a perfect, unfortunate case in point. While advances in science make our lives more convenient, they also expose us to more chemicals and health risks than are necessary.
It's no surprise that companies that provide products coated with Teflon-like chemicals don't want to tell us the potential downsides of their products. Scientists discovered decades ago that common byproducts and metabolites of nonstick and nonstain chemical coatings cause several types of cancer in laboratory animals. But last month, representatives of DuPont, the largest domestic maker of these slippery coatings, stated in federal hearings that telling the public what products contain these chemical coatings would give an edge to competing companies.
Are cancer-causing chemicals in your clothing? Your food packaging?
According to DuPont and the rest of the chemical industry, you have no right to know.
In response, the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org)
Richard Wiles Senior vice president Environmental Working Group Washington, D.C.