Many are unaware that air pollution from burning fossil fuels and the chemicals released by their use is a health threat.

Until recently, the medical world seldom recognized the importance of environmental pollution on health, except in people with severe exposure, like miners. It is now understood that burning fossil fuels releases CO2 responsible for 75% of global warming and that mining and burning fossil fuels has a direct effect on our health.

Tracey J. Woodruff, in the New England Journal of Medicine (March 7), said pollution of our water, air and the direct effects of toxic chemicals are the leading causes of premature death globally. Most air pollution comes from burning fossil fuels. The toxic chemicals are petrochemicals, derived from fossil fuels, and recognized as interfering with our hormonal systems. Hormones include insulin, thyroid hormones, prolactin, ACTH, estrogen, testosterone and many others; they are how the body communicates internally. Toxic chemicals can disrupt this communication, leading to disease.

Since 1990, there has been a 28% to 150% increase in diabetes, chronic lung disease, cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. Experts believe petrochemicals have contributed to these increases. Woodruff said 150 chemicals have been found in urine and blood samples and 40 chemicals in household dust. Since the 1950s, petrochemical production has increased 15 times and is rising.

Improve your chances of good health by telling legislators to support a price on carbon to energize a rapid transition to renewables. Also, ask legislators to regulate existing chemicals and research chemicals before they are released on the public.

Nancy Hasenfus
Brunswick