In the book, Steingraber explains that investing in green energy will help prevent cancer, since synthetic chemicals linked to cancer come mostly from petroleum and coal. Saving the planet then becomes a matter of saving ourselves. The science in the text strengthens the case for banning poisons now pervasive in our air, our food, our water and our bodies. In this second edition of Living Downstream, Steingraber describes her experience of watchful waiting, the process of making a film adaptation and the latest scientific developments in the field of environmental cancer research. These developments are outlined in “six clear trends that have emerged in our understanding of the environment’s contribution to cancer.” Steingraber goes on to explain her personal and professional reasons for feeling hopeful, including the following two facts: First, we can do something about the environment’s influence on human cancer (unlike our genes, which we cannot alter). Second, the synthetic chemicals connected to cancer are largely derived from petroleum and coal; therefore, with investments in green energy we will investment in cancer prevention. The foreword concludes with the story of the “de-normalization” of smoking and a passionate call for the same precautionary approach to other known and suspected carcinogens. I myself do not smoke, but I am a victim of second hand smoke directly, because my mother smokes and has since I was born, (that is 22 years of second hand smoke).
The book opens with Steingraber introducing us to her home state of Illinois. She paints a picture of a flat agricultural state devoted to growing mostly corn and soybeans that is such a wonderful place to be! We read about the agricultural and industrial chemicals used here and about the changes, these chemicals have brought. Rachel Carson is introduced here too. Carson’s book, Silent Spring, was