It has always seemed and been obvious to those who think about it, but understandably, most people don't think about it often.
Environmental standards in China are effectively environmental standards here, in as much as we import huge portions of our diet and products from that country. Since the government of China recently admitted that pollution is killing 750,000 or more people there every year, perhaps we should take a closer look at what that means right here. More over>
The Financial Times reported that Beijing had persuaded the bank to cut findings that outdoor air pollution levels in Chinese cities cause 350,000 to 400,000 premature deaths each year. Poor indoor air kills another 300,000 people and more than 60,000 die due to poor quality water, the draft report said.
Chinese government spokespeople refuted the numbers but in other reports the government admitted their validity. The truth is probably that pollution-cause deaths are even much higher than that in China.
And if we care about all people, we can do something about that - even as we work to fortify our standards here, and prevent low standards elsewhere from becoming our own - as imports.
Newsweek International reported that
Toxic Toothpaste
Savings from the 99-cent store might not always be worth your while. On June 1, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning on several toothpaste brands manufactured in China, including Dr. Cool, Superdent and Everfresh Smile. The toothpastes, usually found in discount stores, contained an antifreeze agent called diethylene glycol, which doesn’t freshen breath or whiten teeth but does poison the liver and kidneys and depress the central nervous system.
and that
Recalled Railway Toys
American-based toy company RC2 recalled a range of Thomas the Tank Engine wooden railroad toys in June, after the company found lead in the toy’s surface paint, which is toxic if ingested by children. RC2 ultimately recalled more than 20 different Chinese-made toys.
in this article - but the problem is bigger than something that can be handled by forensic detective work tracking down each after-the-fact transgression.
Instead of weakening our own standards here as we have been doing, we need governments that will strengthen those and dramatically limit the room-for-recklessness that exists for imports.
Here's one of the many reasons why: "Fetuses and babies are more vulnerable than previously thought to chemical pollutants that can cause disease or disability, even in tiny doses that do not harm adults, 200 scientists said on Thursday.
The researchers urged tighter controls on toxic chemicals, some of them used in making plastics or pesticides, saying that there was a risk of disruptions at key stages of growth that could lead to brain damage, malformation or cancers."
Those toxins are accumulating in American's flesh and breast milk.
Reduce exposures. Eat organic, clean and smart. Every legitimate peer-reviewed study confirms the need to reduce overall chemical exposures. Click here for Reuters article And get a government in place that will act for the people.
Cross Posted from http://www.organicamerican.com