WEN

Women's Environmental Network is hosting the UK launch of acclaimed American environmentalist and poet, Sandra Steingraber's new book, 'Having Faith: An Ecologist's Journey to Motherhood.' The author will be present to talk about her experience and answer questions.

This beautifully written and powerful book tells the story of Dr Steingraber's own pregnancy, from conception through foetal development to birth and breast-feeding and describes the environmental hazards that now threaten each precious stage of the process.

As a biologist and faculty member of Cornell University she writes knowledgeably about contamination of our air, water, land and food by toxic chemicals in solvents, pesticides, lead and mercury among others. Neurotoxins that "produce only transient effects in adult brains can lay waste to foetal ones," she writes, and asks why Voltaire's concept of abstinence in the face of uncertainty applies only to individual behaviour, not to agriculture or industry. Individual action is not the answer unless "one is willing to accept a public health policy that asks expectant mothers to give up certain foods while allowing industries to continue contaminating them," she argues.

"If every there was a persuasive argument for urgent action to clean up our act in terms of our environment, then this has to be it," said Helen Lynn, WEN's Health Co-ordinator.
Dr Steingraber's first book "Living Downstream" was highly praised for exposing the relationship between cancer and environmental pollution.

To read a review click here (27k word doc)

ENDS

Contact: Liz Sutton, Press Officer 020 7481 9004, F: 020 7481 9144, e: info@wen.org.uk

Notes to editors:
1. WEN is a national charity and membership organisation which campaigns on environmental and health issues from a women's perspective. It educates, informs and empowers women and men who care about the environment.
2. Please confirm whether you will be able to attend.
3. Having Faith: An Ecologist's Journey to Motherhood is published by Perseus Press, ISBN 1-903985-14-5, price £11.99. Contact Lizzie Curtin on 01865 860960.