Our Bodies, Our Landfills?
 (MSNBC News, 2/5/03)

Americans are routinely exposed to tens of thousands of harmful chemicals and scientists are now expressing concern at the extent to which these substances are entering our bodies through contact with ordinary items; like cosmetics, foods, building materials and pesticides. Scientists at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NY tested 9 volunteers for the presence of 210 common toxins and found that, on average, each volunteer tested positive for 91. When the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) conducted a more extensive study, they too confirmed that the average American bears a heavy toxic load. In fact, the CDC recommends using blood, urine and saliva tests to screen our bodies for these poisons. The CDC has developed "bio-monitoring tests" to detect toxic agents; including heavy metals (like lead and mercury), chlorinated solvents, pesticides, PCBs and phthalates (plasticizing agents). Scientists from the Environmental Working Group also agree that we cannot completely escape the pollution of our contaminated environment, but on a brighter note, they report new evidence that we can minimize our exposure through simple dietary changes.