Poisoning the Well
by Sharon Udasin & Rachel Frazin
Key Concepts
Invisible Threats
Many pervasive pollutants are undetectable by senses, making their presence and impact insidious.
Cumulative Burden
Repeated exposure to multiple low-level toxins creates a significant, long-term health toll.
Policy Lag
Environmental regulations often fail to keep pace with scientific discoveries of emerging contaminants and their health risks.
Environmental Justice
Marginalized communities frequently bear the brunt of pollution due to historical and systemic inequities.
Forever Chemicals
Persistent chemicals like PFAS accumulate in the environment and human bodies, posing enduring health challenges.
Action Items
Advocate for robust environmental regulations and their strict enforcement at all governmental levels.
Support community-led initiatives focused on local environmental monitoring and justice.
Research your local water quality reports and understand your specific water source and potential risks.
Reduce personal consumption of products containing known harmful chemicals, especially persistent ones.
Demand greater transparency from industries regarding their chemical usage and waste disposal practices.
Educate your network on the critical links between environmental health and public well-being.
Core Thesis
Hidden environmental contaminants disproportionately harm vulnerable communities, demanding urgent systemic policy reform and public awareness.
Mindset Shift
The book shifts perspective from viewing environmental pollution as isolated incidents to recognizing it as a pervasive, systemic issue deeply intertwined with social equity and public health.