Exposure to toxins affects all our health. Some people are more vulnerable to toxic chemical exposure–children, the elderly and people with compromised health. People like Dianna Anderson, a longtime Stillwater resident who is vulnerable to toxic pollution.

“Exposure to harmful chemicals could bring back my cancer.” Dianna calmly states this fact to me during our interview. “My gene mutation doesn’t prevent cancer cells from growing so it’s all the more important I stay away from toxins.” At age 41, Dianna has successfully battled breast cancer twice, but had to undergo a double mastectomy last summer. This is a reality for too many women. Cancer rates in the US are on the rise and one out of three women will have cancer in their lifetime.

Many women in Dianna’s Stillwater support group had cancer multiple times resulting in mastectomies and hysterectomies. They call themselves, “The Club I Never Wanted to Join.” Some in the group are genetically predisposed to cancer while others are not. “Women without the cancer gene have less understanding about what is causing it.” Dianna scheduled a Healthy Home presentation for her support group so they could learn about some of the environmental factors contributing to disease. “I figured the group would have the same eye opener as me. People don’t realize how unregulated chemicals are and need to be more educated. We have a real problem.”

After attending the Healthy Home presentation, Dianna made some changes to make her home environment healthier. “I stopped microwaving in plastic and checked all my plastic containers and makeup products.” She also changed some of her purchasing decisions. “I bought some sunscreen without thinking and then realized it was one of the unsafe sunscreens so I went back and exchanged it for the safe one.” Dianna is motivated to not only protect her health but also her family’s health. “My eight year old son is having asthma problems so I’m happy to not spray toxins. I understand the things I do in the house affect him.”

Dianna would like to see large manufacturers make changes and demand chemical companies find alternatives. She believes consumers will have to drive this change with their purchasing decisions. “Change will have to come from consumers who won’t buy products unless companies change.”

In the last several months, Dianna has shared what she has learned with co-workers, support group members and others. “A big motivation is my son. Something isn’t right and it’s my responsibility to find out what’s wrong and contribute to a solution.”

Read stories about other people affected by chemical exposure