Over the past 15 years, scientists who have reviewed data on increased rates of cancer, endocrine disruption, birth defects or complications of pregnancy, among other adverse outcomes, have found evidence that shows chemical exposure has negative impacts on women and children’s health. During pregnancy, chemicals stored in a woman’s body may cross the placenta, while during breastfeeding, stored lipophilic chemicals may accumulate in milk and be shared with feeding infants. As with methyl mercury, these chemical transfers may result in long-term conditions in children.

This year, it is unlike past celebrations because we will observe it virtually, not with PARADES; on-line, not with FESTIVALS; on Social Media, not TOGETHER. Earth Day 1970 brought together 20 million Americans into the sunshine for peaceful demonstrations for environmental reform.  It is now observed in 192 countries around the world.

In recognition of the need for a world federation to address the threat of toxic environmental chemicals to human reproductive and developmental health on the global stage, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) adopted its opinion, Reproductive Health Impacts of Exposure to Toxic Environmental Chemicals.