Feds offer state help in measuring toxic contaminants in people

[Kadie]

Posted on Mon, Jun. 27, 2005


Feds offer state help in measuring toxic contaminants in people

Associated Press


SACRAMENTO - California has been offered $1.7 million in training, laboratory tests and technical support from the federal government to help measure levels of toxic chemicals in state residents.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's offer came in response to a request by U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, for a federal commitment to biomonitoring in California, the Breast Cancer Fund said Monday.

The Oakland Tribune published a series of stories in March on the increasing amounts of manmade chemicals and environmental toxins showing up in humans.

The paper spent $17,000 to test a Berkeley family and found that all four members - even the baby - were carrying chemicals such as PCBs, mercury, lead, cadmium and even fire retardants used in plastic appliances, foam cushions and carpet backing.

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