I am a firm believer in putting your money where your mouth is. And, as you know, I've been talking about how we need more stringent control of the chemicals we breathe, ingest, and put on our skin.
So when I was asked to be one of a half a dozen Vermonters in a study to test for toxic chemicals I said "sure", right away.
But then I went to meet Dr. Sally Cargill, who presented me with a very thick consent form, rich with medical and legal language and I didn't feel quite as brave. Dr. Cargill was patient with me as I read every single word and asked many questions. She will be my guide throughout the process.
The study will be used to illustrate the toxic chemical levels in adults in Vermont and to advocate for greater environmental health protections and policies.
As a participant in "A Study of Toxic Chemicals in Residents of the Green Mountain State" I will give hair, blood and urine samples which will be tested for (ready for it? gulp!):
*Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), which are flame retardants in many textiles, and are associated with affects on thyroid hormones.
*Bisphenol-a (BPA), I think you have heard of this one :). I shudder when I think of the years of using my old nalgene bottle in college, hiking, working out, everywhere, and my years microwaving plastic when growing up. My measily 5 years of avoiding BPA seem like nothin'. I'm worried about this one.
*Organichlorine pesticides: These are insecticides and pesticides. Again, my organic revolution has only been for the last 10 years or so, and there have been certain time periods where I couldn't eat organic because funds were tight.
*Mercury: The greatest exposure to mercury is caused by ingestion of fish, and mercury is a neurotoxin and may affect the development of the fetus and newborns. Since I've been a vegetarian for 18 years (with short lapses only to consume wild Alaskan salmon), I should be good on this one.
So, wish me luck. I will chronicle the experience here on Non-Toxic Kids, and hopefully in a magazine as a feature story. The results should be very interesting (and probably scary), but I know I am doing something that could help a cause I believe so much in: cleaning up our environment, including our innermost one, our bodies.
image: Annual A1C Blood Test 3 by programwitch on Flickr under Creative Commons
7 comments:
It's really exciting! Seriously I can't wait to see the results!!
I live near Vermont but I have only avoided BPA for one year and I am far from eating all organic...
I am so curious to see your results. I have often thought of what could be lurking in my system!! That's why I try my best to keep my kids from as many chemicals as possible - but that's near impossible. Can't wait to read the rest of your story.
Wow! Katy! :) You are brave and we thank you for everything you always do! Good luck and it'll be interesting to see your results...
You are daring! I don't think I would want to know! Especially on plastic exposure. I am so interested in your results! Can't wait to read up on your update.
Good luck, Katy! Thank you for doing this. I, too, am looking forward to reading about the results.
Thanks so much, ladies. Your support means a lot to me. In fact, I think I will need to draw on it as I give 10 (yes 10) viles of blood.
Wow! I wish I could participate in such a study. 16 years ago I began teaching for 9 years in an industrial area, oil production to be specific. Shortly before and during those years, 2 known brain cancers, several breast cancers, numerous skin eruptions (auto-immune diagnoses) occurred among the staff, as well as an undiagnosed blood disorder that I developed. After 3 years, I requested a transfer and within 1 year my blood was at normal levels with no new treatments. Hmmm - 2 major oil refineries and a chemical company -- could be!!!
I'm anxious for your results. Patt
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