Our Environment, Our Health, Our Bodies.

What is in our environment is also in our bodies. From the pesticides sprayed on our fruits and vegetables to the flame retardants that coat our electronics – hazardous chemicals, metals and other pollutants are absorbed, inhaled, and ingested. Some stay for only a short time, but others are long-lasting and accumulate in our blood and our breast milk, where they will ultimately be passed on to our children. WELL Network founder, Annette Gellert, 55, and her daughter Heather Gellert, 17, underwent body burden testing to determine the extent of contaminants in their bodies. What they found is both highly enlightening and deeply disturbing.

(For more information on a comprehensive approach to safer chemicals policy and the larger framework of green planning, download “Taking it to the States” report. To learn more about how WELL has promoted a comprehensive chemical policy in California download the WELL White Paper on the California Chemicals Policy Symposium.)

Body Burden Profile: Annette Gellert

Annette’s blood and urine was tested November 10, 2005 for 70 consumer product chemicals and 36 were found. Her Methyl-mercury burden was higher than the EPA recommended maximum. Other chemicals found:

• Perflourochemicals (PFCs), found in Teflon, Scotchguard, food wrap coatings, and carpet and fabric protectors. PFCs have been linked to birth defects and cancer.
  
  
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), found in foam furniture, computers and televisions. PBDEs have been linked to abnormal brain development and thyroid problems.
  
  
• Phthalates/Plasticizers, found in baby bottles, plastic wrap, water bottles, beverage can liners and dental sealants. Phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption, birth defects, and cancer.
  
  
• Bisphenol A and BADGE, found in baby bottles, plastic wrap, water bottles, beverage can liners and dental sealants. Bisphenol A and BADGE have been linked to hormone disruption, birth defects, and cancer.
  
  
• Lead and Methyl mercury, found in a wide array of consumer products and commercial applications. Lead and Methyl mercury can cause damage to the hormone system, birth defects and developmental delays and kidney damage.

Body Burden Profile: Heather Gellert

Heather’s blood and urine was tested November 10, 2005 for 70 consumer product chemicals and at 17 years old, she has 34. Her Bisphenol A burden was particularly high. Other chemicals found:

• Perflourochemicals (PFCs), found in Teflon, Scotchguard, food wrap coatings and carpet and fabric protectors. PFCs have been linked to birth defects and cancer.
  
  
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), found in foam furniture, computers and televisions. PBDEs have been linked to abnormal brain development and thyroid problems.
  
  
• Phthalates/Plasticizers, found in baby bottles, plastic wrap, water bottles, beverage can liners and dental sealants. Phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption, birth defects, and cancer.
  
  
• Bisphenol A and BADGE, found in baby bottles, plastic wrap, water bottles, beverage can liners and dental sealants. Bisphenol A and BADGE have been linked to hormone disruption, birth defects, and cancer.
  
  
• Lead and Methyl mercury, found in a wide array of consumer products and commercial applications. Lead and Methyl‐mercury can cause damage to the hormone system, birth defects and developmental delays and kidney damage.
  
  

Like Mother Like Daughter

Of the 34 chemicals found in Heather's body, 30 (88 percent) were also found in her mother. According to measurements of chemical persistence in the body, Heather still carries an estimated 27 percent of the Scotchguard (PFOS), 7 percent of the Teflon (PFOA), and 62 percent of the lead passed on to her from her mother, across the placenta and through breast milk.

The Green Plan Solution

Environmental pollutants are around us and in us, and they are a result of poor planning, where little thought is given to the long‐term protection of our health and environment. How California farms, fishes and manufactures food, how we manage our transportation needs, how we regulate industry, how we protect our skies, our coasts, our wilderness and ourselves must all be integrated into the larger picture of environmental sustainability. Californians must have a green plan for the long term health and survival of their families and environment. A comprehensive chemicals policy is a first step toward that goal.

(For more information on a comprehensive approach to safer chemicals policy and the larger framework of green planning, dowload “Taking it to the States” report. To learn more how WELL has promoted a comprehensive chemical policy in California download the WELL White Paper on the California Chemicals Policy Symposium.)