This video, adapted from 'Contaminated Without Consent,' explains how the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization working to protect children from toxic chemicals in the environment, tested 10 samples of umbilical cord blood, and details their findings. In the samples, the group found more than 200 chemicals, some of which were associated with cancer and other chronic diseases. Dr. Ted Schettler, with Physicians for Social Responsibility, explains that many chemicals have ended up in unexpected places (like breast milk, cord blood, and wildlife) and that action must be taken to protect the population from exposure. Includes background essay and discussion questions. [1:31]

Concepts

fetal development

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

environmental pollutants, pbs learningmedia, pbs learningmedia: environmental public health: chemical risks to a fetus

Show More Show Less

Classroom Considerations

• Knovation Readability Score: 4 (1 low difficulty, 5 high difficulty)
• The intended use for this resource is Instructional