Cancer and Environmental Chemicals
New policy adopted by California Medical Association
05.12.2007 |Chantal van den Bossche
The policy below was adopted by the California Medical Association and released as news by the Cancer Prevention and Education Society.
CANCER AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS
Whereas, a large and growing body of peer-reviewed research increasingly indicates that some of the many industrial chemicals now in use and present in human bodies can contribute to the initiation and growth of various cancers, as recognized by many prominent scientists; and whereas, various scientific organizations and cancer advocacy groups have adopted proactive policies urging better research and preventive strategies regarding chemicals and cancer.
One prestigious national group, the Canadian Cancer Society, has adopted a formal policy stating " wherever possible, exposure to substances that are known, or believed, to cause cancer should be identified and eliminated by substituting safer alternatives. When elimination is not possible, exposure should be reduced to the lowest possible levels" and "Current scientific evidence is the cornerstone of our information and positions about cancer. However, we believe it is important in some circumstances not to wait for perfect scientific clarity to take action to protect Canadians. As a result, we also strongly support the precautionary principle that states, ³when an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.²; and
Whereas, the American Cancer Society, analogous to the Canadian group quoted above, has yet to take such a position, even as the scientific evidence grows and has convinced other traditionally cautious organizations:
The CMA recognizes the important and growing body of scientific evidence linking some common environmental chemicals to human cancers, and encourages educational and advocacy efforts; and states that this matter be referred for national action.
More information can be found on the site of the Cancer Prevention and Education society www.cancerpreventionsociety.org
