To the Editor

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDCP) National Center for Environmental Health and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry have commenced the work of producing educational materials on the subject of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) exposure minimization. Eating a low-fat diet is one of the key recommendations to be set forth.

Publication of the 2010 World Health Organization report, “Persistent Organic Pollutants: Impact on Child Health” figured largely in the CDCP decision to educate on POPs. This report describes extensive scientific research linking POPs exposure with causation of diseases and disorders including: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, reproductive problems, cognitive impairment, immune system dysfunction, and autism.

Cancer Action NY has advocated for government action to educate on the POPs exposure health hazard since 2009. Numerous town governments in St. Lawrence County joined into this work by writing to the CDCP requesting the creation of educational materials.

Towns involved in this effort include: Russell, DeKalb, Lisbon, Morristown, Canton, Colton, Oswegatchie and Potsdam. Honor to the towns of St. Lawrence County and the CDCP. American government works.

Donald L. Hassig

Director, Cancer Action NY