Environmental Working Group Presentation
Monday, Jun 8, 2009
National Presenter to Address Alarming Environmental Effects on Young Americans
The Children’s Institute Hosts Environmental Working Group’s President
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) unexpectedly found 287 chemicals in the blood of 10 Americans - and you won't believe who they are. On Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m., The Children’s Institute will host Ken Cook, president of EWG, as he presents “10 Americans,” a lecture about the EWG study of blood samples from ten unique Americans.
Mr. Cook will explain how the EWG found toxins linked to cancer, birth defects, hormone disruption, reproductive problems, immune disorders and other serious health problems. The results compelled the EWG to lead a national campaign informing the public and calling for a change in federal law. Mr. Cook will present the study, its findings, possible links to childhood diseases and disorders, and what EWG is doing to help make people safe from hazardous chemicals.
The presentation is hosted by The Children’s Institute as an opportunity to learn what can be done to promote healthy families, homes and communities. "There is no better place to discuss the urgent need to reform the ‘safety net’ for toxic chemicals than The Children's Institute, which is recognized throughout the country for its dedication and innovative treatments for childhood illnesses and developmental disorders," says Ken Cook.
Dedicated to protecting public health and the environment, EWG is proposing legislation known as the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act that would enforce the safety of industrial chemicals, especially those that are currently found in infants and children. They believe that there is a link between many of the ailments affecting children today, and the industrial chemicals that the public is exposed to everyday.
The Children’s Institute, whose mission is to promote the well-being of children with special needs and their families, supports the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act. This is a reflection of the organization’s commitment to furthering the understanding of the connection between the environment and children’s health. “The Children’s Institute treats children with a myriad of disabilities and disorders. We are a premier hospital that truly makes amazing things happen in our patient’s individual treatment; however, we excel in treating the symptoms and the disabilities. We need to continue focusing on identifying the causes,” says David Miles, president and CEO of The Children’s Institute. “This is why research is so important. The Environmental Working Group is working towards the same goal.”
Following Ken Cook’s presentation, Scott Faber, MD, developmental pediatrician at The Children’s Institute, will speak on toxicity of western Pennsylvania and neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Faber’s recent work has focused on testing the efficacies of treatment approaches as well as exploring innovative means of investigating the influence of environmental factors on autism, specifically related to heavy metal and chemical exposure; immune problems and micronutrient deficiencies; and environmental and nutritional changes affecting behaviors and conditions associated with autism. Dr. Faber will discuss the possible connection between toxins found in the environment and the development of autism in children.
Before joining The Children’s Institute, Scott Faber, MD served for six years as director of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. Dr. Faber is a frequent lecturer and has made presentations at national American Academy of Pediatrics exhibitions and at Pediatric Academic Society meetings. In addition, he has published works on the clinical effects of deprivation on the developing brain as well as other topics.
Ken Cook co-founded the Environmental Working Group in 1993 and currently serves as president of the organization. He is the author of dozens of articles, opinion pieces and reports on environmental, public health and agricultural topics. Cook earned B.A., B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
This event will be held at the Squirrel Hill facility of The Children’s Institute, located at 1405 Shady Avenue in Pittsburgh. For more information about the Environmental Working Group, please call 202.667.6982. For more information about The Children’s Institute, please call 412.420.2204.
