Bush Pollution Policies: Threat to the Unborn

A study reported today by Columbia University researchers documented the risk of environmental pollution, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, to the unborn who were at risk for genetic mutations.

As reported:

"This evidence that air pollutants can alter chromosomes in utero is troubling since other studies have validated this type of genetic alteration as a biomarker of cancer risk," Perera remarks. "While we can't estimate the precise increase in cancer risk, these findings underscore the need for policymakers at the federal, state and local levels to take appropriate steps to protect children from these avoidable exposures." The findings appear in the current issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention.

Needless to say, the Bush Administration has not been very sensitive to pollution issues in America. In fact, the Republicans have been extremely cozy with polluters and lobbyists representing polluting industries.

I found a nice summary of some of the environmental policy decisions during the first four years under President Bush.

Read it and weep. Weep for America the Beautiful now becoming America the polluted.

Senator Kerry has had this to say about protecting the environment:

On Earth Day 2003, I announced a proposal to resume the battle against environmental injustice, in part by greatly elevating it priority for the EPA and other federal enforcement agencies and in part by creating environmental empowerment zones, in which the impact of federal decisions on the health of low-income and minority citizens would have to be taken into account before they are implemented.

I also called for a measure that will be critical not only in dealing with environmental injustice but also in dealing with environmental health issues generally: establishing a national tracking system for chronic diseases and environmental health hazards. Source: A Call to Service, by John Kerry, p.159-60 Oct 1, 2003

Senator Kerry, the health of our nation, the quality of our air we breathe, the water we drink, and our very genetic make-up cries out to you to pull us from the water of irresponsible environmental regulation! Keep that door open for 2008. A clean and healthy America awaits you on the other side!

Bob