By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-897266.mp3
Albany, NY – Public health experts met today in Albany to get the word out about carcinogenic contaminants in the U.S. food supply. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
Activists say the U.S. food supply is rife with pollutant carcinogens including fat-soluble dioxins and PCBs as well as polybrominated diphenyl ethers or P-B-D-E's.
"Cancer kills more Americans than any other disease except heart disease. Most cancers are caused by some environmental exposure. But many of the chemicals that cause cancer, and are present in our food, also cause heart disease. Consequently, it is extremely important that we get chemical carcinogens out of our food supply. The chemicals of greatest concern include fat soluble substances like dioxins and PCBs, which are found in all animal fats, as well as pesticides that are found as residues of vegetables and fruits. The recycling of waste animal fat into animal feed is one particular pathway for contamination of animal products that must be stopped. In order to reduce the risk of development of cancer (as well as heart and many other diseases) we need to change the way that agriculture uses chemicals both on crops and in animal foods."--David O. Carpenter, MD
"As a member of the NYS Cancer Consortium, Cancer Action NY will advocate for a specific focus on reducing exposure to carcinogenic POPs in the second New York State Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan that will be finalized in 2010. We will also push for public education as a priority exposure reduction strategy."--Donald L. Hassig
In order to accomplish major progress toward the education of New Yorkers concerning pollutant carcinogen exposure reduction, Cancer Action NY is advocating for New York State legislation that will delegate responsibility for review of scientific literature, production of exposure reduction public health messages, and conduct of public educational outreach to the New York State Department of Health.