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

Sara Alcid
Shelley Ehrlich MD, ScD, MPH
Kristin Schafer

Full list of contributors »

Topics

Male Infertility February 26, 2014

Flame Retardants December 13, 2013

Risk Assessment and Chemicals November 19, 2013

Preemption of State Chemical Reform October 18, 2013

Fracking Revisited August 5, 2013

Federal Chemical Policy Reform June 28, 2013

Indoor Air Pollution May 30, 2013

State Toxics Policy April 30, 2013

Obesogens March 20, 2013

Clean Energy December 12, 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.