Published: October 17, 2009

Berea group explores chemical impacts on women's health

Special to the Register

The Berea-based Kentucky Environmental Foundation (KEF) is co-sponsoring a free, public event on Tuesday, Oct. 20 featuring renowned biologist and author Sandra Steingraber. The event will be in Louisville and free transportation to the event from Madison County will be arranged.

Steingraber’s presentation, “Contaminated Without Consent,” will focus on the links between toxic chemicals and our health, with a particular focus on women’s reproductive health. Steingraber is the author of two books, “Living Downstream” and “Having Faith,” as well as papers on the causes and health effects of early puberty in girls.

“In day-to-day living, each of us encounters harmful contaminants everywhere: in our homes, our work places, the water we drink, the air we breathe and the land on which our food is grown,” said Elizabeth Crowe, executive director of the Kentucky Environmental Foundation. “But rather than be overwhelmed with all the bad news about toxic exposures, Sandra Steingraber shares good ideas about we can do to protect our own health and urge government to act in the best interest for all of our health.”

KEF has been doing its part to provide women with information on chemical exposures, and opportunities for taking action for solutions to chemical contamination. Its “Windows of Vulnerability” project tracks the impacts of exposure to chemicals like bisphenol-A, PVC, flame retardants and heavy metals like lead and mercury on each life stage, from infancy to adulthood. Crowe and other KEF volunteers use video clips, written materials and soon, a hands-on green cleaning activity to discuss the potential for a toxic-free future in Kentucky.

“I want to know what is affecting my body so I can make decisions that concern my health, and help inform other women make good decision as well,” Martina Jackson-Haynes, a Berea College intern at KEF said.

Jackson-Haynes is compiling the green cleaning materials together for programs and small group gatherings at homes, churches, organizational meetings and workshops, or even schools and businesses.

“It may seem like a small step to take, but I think it is important for busy people to see how even one action can make a difference,” she said. “Our hope is that they will then want to help KEF tackle toxic issues at the government and industry levels, as well.”

Several national campaigns have been organized in recent years to focus on prevention of harmful chemical exposures through products like household cleaners and also cosmetics, baby products, food and beverage containers and more.

“The more we know about what affect these chemicals have on our health, the more people are demanding safer products, and the more companies are reverting to less harmful materials,” Crowe said. “And a lot of what we know about these health impacts we owe to women like Sandra Steingraber.”

Steingraber’s presentation next Tuesday will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church located at 318 W. Saint Catherine St., in Louisville.

This event is sponsored by the Kentucky Health Justice Network. Co-sponsors in addition to KEF include the Kentucky Foundation for Women, the Louisville Metro Office for Women, the Center for Health Equity, the University of Louisville Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice Research, the Kentucky Commission on Women and others.

For more information on the Sandra Steingraber event or on KEF’s ongoing toxics and health projects, contact KEF at 986-0868 or visit the Web site at www.kyenvironmentalfoundation.org.