Environment = Public Health
There is no disconnect between the quality of our air, water, soil, and food and the quality of human health. It begins with the formation of the fetus, with the most critical development occurring during the first 8 weeks. What the mother is exposed to, the fetus is exposed to also.
Republicans have gotten away with characterizing environmental issues as unnecessary regulation and protection of animals they consider inconsequential or preservation of land they see as exploitable. They are rarely called upon to reconcile their desire for lax regulation with the negative health effects it would cause.
There are bureaucratic obstacles in place to assure that environmental health research and medical research are separated, with environmental health research given little consideration. Our government and the corporations that essentially run it are not there to protect the public health so it is up to us to learn and utilize the information that is available through our own efforts.
Environmental Health Perspectives is a publication of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH. It has a free searchable archive and is considered a premier publication.
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov
Coalition of Health and Environment is a site dedicated to informing the public. The Toxicant and Disease Database under Resources is a tool to learn about health risks involved with chemicals someone is exposed to.
http://www.healthandenvironment.org
Please - let's keep in mind that environment affects our health and remind our politicians of that too.