Stemming the Flow of

Contamination

review by Marjorie Tietjen

by Beatrice Trum Hunter

Basic Health Publications Inc.; 28812 Top of the World Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651; 949-715,7327; www.basichealthpub.com

©2011; Paperback; $19.95; 336 pp.

Many people afflicted with chronic illness are found to have significant accumulations of heavy metals in their bodies. Much effort is being put forth by researchers and doctors to find effective methods of diagnosing and detoxifying these patients. While detoxification is of extreme importance, it is just as crucial, if not more so, to identify and restrict the sources of these contaminants. We must begin now to stem the flow! We need to understand what products and industrial applications foster this harmful pollution and the politics that allow it to continue. If we do not address this increasingly dire situation, our most sincere attempts at detoxification and healing will be in vain. A sinking ship cannot be saved if the water is coming in faster than it can be bailed out.

Our Toxic Legacy by Beatrice Trum Hunter seriously addresses this imminent sinking-ship scenario that we all face. If we do not buckle down and focus on this issue, no one will be exempt from the effects of this encroaching disaster. The book begins with a hefty chapter that discusses the sources, politics, and health effects of lead. This section gives a history of lead exposure and a list of modern-day occupational exposures. I was shocked to learn that “Three quarters of the world’s entire lead production is used in automobiles. Each car contains about twenty-seven pounds of lead, mainly in the battery. Also, lead batteries are used widely in forklifts, golf carts, and as backup power for computers, as well as for solar and telecommunications systems. In the United States, more than 88% of all lead production is for battery use.” Hunter goes on to inform us that the lead from many batteries is recycled; but if not done properly, this recycling can cause a significant amount of lead to be released into the environment. Many other sources of lead are identified, including leaded crystal, old apple orchards, food cans, water pipes, children’s books, and crayons; in some countries, it is even intentionally added to some foods to improve color and taste! Ayurvedic remedies also intentionally use lead and mercury because these substances are considered therapeutic. The author includes information on home test kits for lead so that the identified sources can be eliminated.

Chapter 2, “Mercury: The Destroyer of Body and Mind,” discusses the history of mercury and details the different sources of this toxic metal. In the past, I have often speculated as to the safety of tattoo inks and am becoming more concerned as this fad becomes increasingly popular. Much of what we put on our skin is absorbed by the body. There is a saying that we should never put anything on our skin that we could not also eat. My fears were validated when I read on page 193 of Hunter’s book that the red ink used in tattooing contains cinnabar … or mercuric sulfate. Anyone considering tattoos would be wise to do their own research in the area of tattoo ingredients and their possible side effects.

People need to become aware of the everyday products that contain this substance, and this chapter is very helpful in this respect. Mercury is intentionally added to certain cosmetics, dental fillings, pharmaceuticals (including vaccines), light bulbs … and the list continues. The author includes the various symptoms of mercury poisoning and the many illnesses that mercury is linked to. The allowance of mercury in industry waste, personal products, dental fillings, and so on, has its roots in politics and profit; and because of this fact, we need to better understand the politics in order to remedy this present and ever-looming threat to the health and well-being of society. Thankfully, the author does an excellent job of documenting the political issues involved.

The chapters on arsenic and cadmium are not as extensive, but this does not indicate that they are of lesser importance. While arsenic can be very poisonous, Hunter says on page 206: “Despite the negative view of arsenic, in trace amounts, it may be an essential element for humans and some animals. Similar to other essential elements, what may be needed at one level may be toxic at a higher level. Other examples of this principle include selenium, molybdenum, chromium, zinc, iron, and cobalt.” Specific forms of arsenic – organic versus inorganic – may affect the body in different ways. Many species, as well as individual people, differ in their ability to detoxify arsenic.

Arsenic in the groundwater and in the atmosphere has become a serious problem. Arsenic has been found to be a carcinogen and a hormone disrupter. It has been known to affect many organs, such as the liver, spleen, and skin, and body systems, such as the cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems.

Arsenic has been used in pressure-treated wood, pesticides, poultry feed, and pharmaceuticals. The book offers precautions concerning the use of arsenic-treated wood; for example, it should not be used for raised garden beds and playground equipment.

The last toxin to be covered is cadmium. Unlike arsenic, cadmium is known to be a nonessential, nonbeneficial toxin. In other words, there is no required or safe amount needed by the human body. Two of the main sources for cadmium are cigarettes and food. Other sources of contamination are sewage sludge, phosphate fertilizers, and enamels used in pottery. Industrial sources are also listed. Hunter describes which foods are the most highly and least contaminated with cadmium. Cadmium accumulation in the body can adversely affect the kidneys and the hormones, and may lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Methods of reducing cadmium toxicity are also discussed.

It is known that any one of the toxic substances included in this book can substantially harm the human body. However, what happens when we are exposed to numerous toxins, continually, from many different sources? Can we ever determine “safe” amounts to be allowed in the environment and predict who will be exposed to specific amounts of the various combinations of toxins? Newly invented chemicals are being added to the environment every day. How will we ever keep up with it all? I think that Hunter’s book is a good place to begin to address these questions.

I believe that Our Toxic Legacy should be read by anyone in the medical community, those involved with public policy, environmentalists, and anyone else who cares about their personal health and the health of their families. Beatrice Trum Hunter is well known for her accurate documentation and her concern for public and environmental health. If you want the facts without sensationalism, then Hunter’s books are for you.

It will take time to turn things around, but we can begin today to help heal the environment by gaining more knowledge of the toxins and the political obstacles that we face. We are all affected by our environment, including those of us involved in corporate decision-making. Let’s work together to reverse “our toxic legacy” into a legacy that we can all be proud of.