Nancy Maxwell , Senior Scientist in epidemiology at the Silent Spring Institute , Newton and Hyannis Ms. Maxwell has studied how the presence of polluting land uses, both industrial and agricultural, across Massachusetts is related to communities' economic status and social makeup, on the one hand, and to the local incidence of several cancers, on the other. Chemical Risks to Humans and the Environment Sperm counts are down. Rates of testicular cancer are up. The reproductive system of alligators and gulls has been changed dramatically.
Researchers theorize that pollutants like dioxin and pesticides are at the root of the problems.
They can sabotage fertility, erode intelligence, undermine the immune system, and alter behavior. A panel of national experts will analyze what we know about the effects of environmental estrogens on wildlife and human health, whether present safety assessment methods of chemicals are adequate, and what evidence we need to take effective action. Rochelle Tyl, Director, Center for Life Sciences and Toxicology, Research Triangle Institute, NCMs. Linda Birnbaum, Director, Experimental Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, EPA Ms. Birnbaum's primary interests are in the mechanisms of toxicity of environmental chemicals, how the body handles environmental chemicals, and the application of this knowledge to improve our ability to assess risk. Mr. Bonifaz' lawfirm specializes in toxic tort litigation and international environmental litigation.