How To Avoid Exposure
- Avoid exposure to all unnecessary radiation. Remember all X-ray exposure is cumulative. This means the effect is equal to the sum of all the X-rays you have ever had. For a further discussion on radiation risks, see the chapter on mammograms.
- As Greenpeace says, organochlorines like dioxins, furans and PCB's have become some of the most controversial chemicals of modern society.. Dioxin in particular has been labelled the most toxic chemical ever produced by man. Dioxins are actually a group of 75 chemicals, "which are some of the most persistent and bio-accumulative chemicals released into the environment." These chemicals are used to make PVC plastics, solvents, pesticides, refrigerants, and in the pulp and paper industry. These same chemicals persist in the fat of meat and dairy products.
- Women should urgently support the Greenpeace campaign and other environmental action groups to phase out the industrial use of these chemicals, particularly in the pulp and paper industry.
- Women should refuse to use bleached paper products. This includes toilet paper, sanitary napkins and tampons. Ballweg suggests that before you throw out that last box of napkins/ tampons you call the toll free number of the company and tell them why you're switching.
- Support the WEED (Woman and Environments Education and Development Foundation) campaign to phase out organochlorines from sanitary products and disposable diapers. Two Canadian women wrote a book on the topic entitled WHITEWASH (Harper and Collins, 1992).
- Avoid fish from the Great Lakes and emphasize whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet. Cut down on fats from milk and meat products. Try to buy organic foods.
Addresses
- GREENPEACE, 1017 West Jackson, Chicago, IL, 60607. 312-666-3305.
- GREENPEACE, 185 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 2C6. 416-345-8408.
- WEED, 736 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON, M5R 2R4. 416-516-2600.
NOTE: ENDOMETRIOSIS ASSOCIATION information and addresses are in the next chapter.