About

Welcome to PSR's Environmental Health Policy Institute, where we ask questions -- then we ask the experts to answer them. Join us as physicians, health professionals, and environmental health experts share their ideas, inspiration, and analysis about toxic chemicals and environmental health policy.

This Month's Contributors

Claire Barnett
Lisa Conley, JD, MPH
Ellen Leroy-Reed, LEED AP BD+C
Rebecca Meuninck
Brenda Olsen, RN
Margaret Reid, RN, BA
Lynn Ringenberg, MD

Full list of contributors »

Topics

Indoor Air Pollution May 30, 2013

State Toxics Policy April 30, 2013

Obesogens March 20, 2013

Clean Energy December 12, 2012

Radioactivity and Health October 31, 2012

How Effective Is the EPA? September 24, 2012

Particulate Matter August 22, 2012

Hydraulic Fracturing June 18, 2012

The Future of Toxics Advocacy May 18, 2012

Toxics and brain development April 9, 2012

More Topics »

How does our food production system drive our exposure to toxic chemicals?

Posted by Molly Rauch, MPH

Our mechanized, pesticide-rich, fertilizer-driven food production system has a significant impact on our exposure to toxic chemicals. Antibiotics and hormones support the mass production of eggs, chicken, milk, and beef. Fertilizers and phosphates flow to our rivers and lakes, contaminating waterways and encouraging the bloom of toxic algae. Chemical food flavorings and colors, some of which affect children’s behavior, are added to foods to encourage consumption. Pesticides including neurotoxins remain as residues on food and are subsequently ingested and metabolized by people. Plastic and paper packaging may leach toxic chemicals into food. And food is trucked, shipped, and flown around the world, contributing to air pollution. This month, our expert contributors address the ways in which our food production system drives our exposure to toxic chemicals.

The views expressed in these essays are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Physicians for Social Responsibility.