A UN report calls for stronger government action to address the disproportionate harm toxic chemicals cause to women and girls, citing significant health risks and the need for stricter regulations.
Pamela Ferdinand reports for U.S. Right to Know.
In short:
- Toxic chemicals from industries like agriculture and petrochemicals are linked to health issues like cancer, infertility and developmental disorders in women and girls.
- Women and girls face higher risks due to biological vulnerabilities during menstruation, pregnancy and childhood.
- The report recommends banning harmful chemicals and improving risk assessments to account for long-term health impacts.
Key quote:
“Harm not only reaches through the pregnant person to the child and across the child’s life course but can also reach across generations, undermining the health of grandchildren before their parent has even been born.”
— Dr. Marcos A. Orellana, UN Special Rapporteur
Why this matters:
Women and girls, especially in marginalized communities, often lack the resources and power to protect themselves from toxic chemicals. Stricter regulations are needed to prevent future generations from suffering these long-term health effects.
