The Pollution Inside Us

National Geographic has a very insightful article this month about the chemicals found in our bodies. The article is actually terrifying. No one seems immune from absorbing toxic chemicals, many of which remain in our bodies for years. People should check out the full version of the article, with photos and charts, in this month's National Geographic.

The article also highlights the fact that air pollution is often the pathway toxic chemicals take to our bodies. Mercury, dioxins, formaldehyde, benzene, and many, many others are all released during coal burning, cement kilning, natural gas burning, surface coating, solvent use, and other industrial activities. Many of these chemicals end up in our bodies. While the effects of some are known, the effects of many others have yet to be understood.

On a related note, this month's National Geographic also reports on the threats to our National Parks, with the picture below on the cover of the magazine.