[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 25 (Friday, February 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E164-E165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH INTO THE EFFECTS OF CONTAMINATION ON 
                          REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 15, 2013

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance 
of federally supported women's health research; especially reproductive 
health research in regions of the country that have high contamination 
such as Superfund sites.
  The reproductive health effects of environmental toxins can have 
significant ramifications for bone, cardiovascular, neurological, and 
sexual health, resulting in serious health conditions such as 
osteoporosis, heart attack, and stroke. In the state of Illinois, we 
currently have 70 Superfund sites that could pose a health threat to 
nearby communities. While the Federal Government supports a strong 
portfolio of research into the health implications of exposure to 
chemicals at these sites, there is a noticeable lack of reproductive 
health research in this area. It is essential that Congress supports 
this important area of research.
  Northwestern University is developing one of the first major studies 
on the impact of Superfund contaminants on our reproductive health. The 
study will examine the reproductive health impacts of exposure to 
metals including zinc and lead that are present near a former zinc 
smelter site on the Illinois River near the Village of DePue, Illinois. 
The site is one of over 30 similar zinc and lead smelter sites across 
the country, so understanding the health impacts at DePue will help 
determine best practices for future disposal of those toxic chemicals.
  Northwestern has also spearheaded an effort to update the scientific 
guidelines that the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, uses to 
determine the threat of environmental toxins to our reproductive 
health. The Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment have 
not been reviewed or revised since 1996. I strongly support their 
effort to ensure that the scientific guidelines adequately account for 
the reproductive health threats posed by toxins to both sexes and 
across the lifespan. This will help ensure that the EPA has the most 
comprehensive and up-to-date scientific guidance to assess the risks of 
chemicals in our environment on our reproductive health.
  The environmental effects of toxins threaten the health of more than 
10 percent of men, women, and children. It is critical that we increase 
support for research into the reproductive health implications of 
different environmental exposures.

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