Iowa is grappling with a cancer crisis, with the state ranking second in the country for new cancer cases. The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) recently held listening sessions in West Des Moines and Adel, where residents expressed concern about environmental risk factors contributing to public health issues.
Environmental Factors and Cancer Rates
Kerri Johannsen of the IEC asked participants to raise their hands if they agreed that Iowa’s cancer rates constitute a crisis. Nearly all 50 participants in West Des Moines raised their hands in agreement. The IEC is holding these listening sessions across the state after releasing a report in March that focused on radon, pesticides, nitrates, forever chemicals, and more.
Residents asked questions about congressional work on the People Over Poisons Act, public water systems, and nitrate removal facilities. They also sought information on how to get more data out to Iowans. Cody Smith, the IEC director of climate initiatives, emphasized the importance of disseminating report information, stating that Iowans recognize the role of the environment in the state’s high cancer rates.
More listening sessions are scheduled in Boone, Davenport, Montezuma, and Cedar Rapids. The IEC aims to raise awareness about environmental factors contributing to Iowa’s cancer crisis and to encourage action from residents and policymakers.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
