Wednesday, February 8,2012, The GRAPHIC, Clarksville, Ark.

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Guest Editorial
by Susan Gateley
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer related deaths are down in the United States, clue in part, to lifestyle changes, better unnecessary exposures to chemigardless of where you live in cals. Even more encouraging, the this country, we're all exposed to bill shows us that we don't have screening and better treatments. toxic chemicals every day. Here a false choice bbtween protecting It doesn't take a nurse, doctor or in Arkansas we have many com- our families from harmful chemiscientist to notice that .we're on munities that face elevated rates cals and a vibrant economy. The Act would simultaneously the wrong track when it comes of chemical exposure. Often those to health in this country. So a de- communities are low-income and reduce our exposure to toxic chemicals in our homes and workplaces, crease in cancer related deaths is communities of color. But just because you live in a ru- while encouraging the production news that we all could wonderful ral afea like myself, doesn't mean of new, safer ihemicalJ. we irdve use. But in my own practice as a fam- you're somehow safe. Under fed- th opporhrnity to reinvigorate ow ily ntrse practitioner over the past eral law, there are no health and chemical industry at a time when 25 years, I have seen an increase safety requirements for chemicals we could use new manufacturing in certain types ofcancer, particu- before they are allowed on the andjob creation. It is my hope that our Senators larly liver, pancreas, kidney and market. The result can be seen in thyroid eancers. After a liule re- the water bottle you drink frem Booznan and Pryor will Suppott search, I found that this has been (hormone-disrupting bisphenol- the Safe Chemicals Act when it the trend nationally as well, with A), the wrinkle-free shirt you're comes to a vote.'I will continue significant increases over the last wearing (cangerous formaldehyde) to celebrate the American Cancer and the couch you sit on (neuro- Society's news that cancer related two decades. deaths are down, but I will also Cancer is affecting more and toxic fl ame-retardants). It's the Wild West when it comes spread the word on the importance more families. The question is to chemicals in this country and of passing the Safe Chemicals why? Peer-reviewed science shows we need leadership to get us back Act. As a health professional, I am alarming links between toxic on the right track. A bill in Conchemicals Arnericans are routinely gress is sitting before our Senator dedicated to preventing disease exposed to and many ofthe nega- John Boozman, called the Safe before it occurs. We have the opportunity to dojust that and I hope tive health trends we're experienc- Chemicals Act. This bill would take enormous we can seize this opportunity. ing. Toxic chemicals are linked
are known to change and damage the developing brain. Even more alarming is that re-

steps

this country and would

to protect public health in

Prevent

to various health problems

developmental disabilities.

such as breast, prostate and childhood cancers, infertility, leaming and

Childhood cancers are on the rise, and so are leaming and developmental disabilities. I have seen a dramatic rise in leaming difficulties in the last few decades. The links between toxic chemicals and damage to the brain are well documented. Certain chemicals like flame-retardants found in pillows and couches and pesticides