'Fantastically important – an indispensable guide to surviving in an industrial age.' – Tim Flannery
SLOW DEATH BY RUBBER DUCK
How the toxic chemistry of everyday
life affects our health
By RICK SMITH & BRUCE LOURIE
Published by UQP / First Release Paperback / $34.95
ISBN: 978 0 7022 3764 5/ Pages: 336
Published: November 10, 2009
______________________________________________________________________________
When Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie decided to tell the story of pollution in our modern world by using their own
bodies as laboratories, they could not have known what they were about to discover. They ingested and inhaled a
host of things that surround all of us all the time: from mercury-laden tuna and flame-retardant chemicals in
clothes and furniture, to toxins in plastics, shampoos and deodorants. The results of these experiments are both
alarming and unexpected.
Slow Death by Rubber Duck exposes the extent to which we are being poisoned every day of our lives, both in our
homes and our workplaces. It tells the shocking story of corporate giants who manufacture these toxins, the
government officials who let it happen and the effects on people across the globe.
Funny, thought-provoking and disturbing, Slow Death by Rubber Duck offers solutions for how we might be
healthier, safer and more aware.
But before the solutions ... here are the key concerns raised in SLOW DEATH BY RUBBER DUCK:
We are the fourth generation of people exposed to toxic chemicals from before conception through to
adulthood. A child born today faces high odds of developing at least one or more of the following ailments due to
hormone-disrupting toxins: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, spectrum disorders, learning disabilities,
diabetes, obesity, childhood and pubertal cancers, abnormal genitalia development and infertility.
Breast and prostate cancers, and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases have joined the list of disorders that
have been linked to prenatal exposure to toxic chemicals.
Flame-retardant chemicals from electronics and household dust are polluting our blood.
Toxics leaching from plastics and run-of-the-mill shampoos, toothpastes and deodorant are now in our urine.
Mercury exists in our blood from eating foods such as tuna.
Chemicals build up in our body from carpets & upholstery.
Why are corporations, governments and the general population ambivalent to the dangers?
RICK SMITH (left) is the Executive Director of Environmental Defence and is
one of Canada’s leading environmentalists. He holds a doctorate in biology
from the University of Guelph.
BRUCE LOURIE (right) is an influential environmental thinker and started one
of Canada’s largest environmental consultancies. He works closely with
governments, businesses, foundations and non-profit organizations.
He is also President of the Ivey Foundation.
PLEASE TURN OVER FOR SOME DETOXIFYING SOLUTIONS ...
Solutions: Removing Remnants of Rubber Duck: 10 Ways to Detoxify
1.
Eat organic: Non-organic fruits and vegetables are grown with pesticides that can cause cancer and
neurological disorders, as well as damage to our immune and reproductive systems. Best to avoid
pesticides whenever you can, particularly in dairy products and on your fruits and vegetables. Can’t eat
organic? Wash all produce and eat a variety of foods so you're not exposed to the same pesticide
repeatedly.
2. Avoid phthalates: Phthalates (pronounced tha-lates) are found in PVC plastic and a range of personal
care products. They’re strange chemicals because they both keep plastic things pliable (making them the
number one pollutant in your standard rubber duck) and carry scent well (meaning they’re the basis of
many products with a strong artificial fragrance). It's best to get rid of phthalates if you can because they
mimic human hormones and harm children. The authors found that levels of phthalates increased by as
much as 22 times after they used common, brand name personal care products. Simple ways to avoid
phthalates include getting rid of your vinyl shower curtain, refraining from the use of synthetic air
fresheners, and choosing unscented body care products whenever possible.
3. Say 'no' to non-stick and stain repellants: These types of chemicals are on furniture, carpets, clothing,
non-stick frying pans and even fast food wrappers. Known as perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), they are
linked to cancer and can mimic human hormones affecting how the bodies and brains of children develop.
To avoid these chemicals, don't buy the latest 'stain repellent' pants or shirts, replace your non-stick frying
pan with stainless steel or iron, and pop your popcorn the old fashioned way (microwave popcorn bags
are coated in PFCs).
4. Get gardening: Growing your own food means you can avoid pesticides, and have great-tasting veggies.
Start by growing fresh herbs; it’s easy to do and requires little space.
5. Dump the toxic flame retardants: These chemicals are linked to cancer, impaired brain development
and a host of other health problems. Called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) or simply
“brominated flame retardants”, they are in furniture, mattresses, curtains, carpets, and electronics. To
avoid them, use natural fibres, such as wool, hemp, and cotton. Lots of electronics companies are
phasing out PBDEs and using safer alternatives, so ask stores or manufacturers to identify PBDE-free
products for you.
6. Eat some fish in moderation: Fish is generally good for you, but levels of mercury increased by 2.5
times after the book’s authors ate tuna. Mercury is a known neurotoxin which harms the development of
children. Mercury builds up in certain fish, so smaller fish are safer to eat than big fish. If you are pregnant
or are planning on becoming pregnant avoid all tuna, shark, and swordfish.
7. Make friends with germs: As flu specialists keep reminding us, the best way to stay healthy is to wash
your hands with soap and water. Our fear of germs has led to an explosion of antibacterial products, from
soaps to toothpaste. There are two types of antibacterial products, those with alcohol and those with
triclosan. Alcohol is fine but triclosan weakens the immune system and is suspected of causing cancer.
Its overuse can also lead to the creation of “superbugs.” The book’s authors found their levels of triclosan
increased an astounding 2,900 times just by using anti-bacterial soaps and other personal care products.
So read the labels and avoid products with triclosan.
8. Get rid of bisphenol A (BPA): Why? BPA mimics estrogen, and has been linked to a host of health
problems from breast cancer to diabetes. The authors’ levels of BPA increased 7.5 times after eating
canned foods out of a microwavable, polycarbonate plastic container. Don't use any polycarbonate plastic
containers, including baby bottles, re-usable sports bottles or microwaveable containers. Polycarbonate
plastic is the kind that is hard, and nearly impossible to squeeze or break. BPA also lines canned food,
so choose fresh or frozen food when you can. And never microwave your food in plastic!
9. Use some elbow grease: Household cleaning products have a toxic mix of chemicals that often go
unlabelled, but are linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer. The homemade concoctions
our grandparents used are just as effective, are safer, and cost less. So before reaching under the sink,
consider making your own cleaners using simple household ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda,
vegetable oil, and lemon juice. Add a little elbow grease, and that kitchen sink will be shining in no time.
10. Become an active consumer: Companies that add these chemicals to their products are very sensitive
to consumer demand. So read the labels, ask store staff questions or call the 1 800 number listed on
products and find out what is in them. At the end of the day government action is often needed to keep
products safe, so raise these issues with your elected officials.
More information at www.slowdeathbyrubberduck.com
PRINT INTERVIEWS and EXTRACTS able to be organized NOW for November publication.
BROADCAST INTERVIEWS from Monday November 9 onward.
Contact: Benython Oldfield at Zeitgeist Media Group for UQP 0410 355 790 / 02 8060 9715 (new number)
benython@zeitgeistmediagroup.com
2