Men, Fertility, and DC Water
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Marc Katz is a Legislative Assistant at the Religious Action Center. He is a graduate of Tufts University |
Today the Washington Post Report published an alarming article entitled Male Bass Across Region Found to Be Bearing Eggs. In essence the report explained that between 80-100% of male Bass found in many section of the Potomic River in Maryland and parts of Northern Virginia developed eggs and some even female sex organs. According to the U.S. Geological Survey the changes in the fish’s anatomy are due to “endocrine disrupters,” contaminants that interfere with the fish’s normal chemical signal.
In addition to the ecological impact that changes to the Bass anatomy may have on the aquatic ecosystem, there is questions within the scientific community about the human health risks of the “endocrine disrupters.” According to Livescience.com, the Potomac River provides water to 75% of the 3.6 million residents of Washington and its suburbs. To date, it is undetermined exactly what chemicals are acting as endocrine disrupters, and because of this scientific uncertainty, it raises questions about human consumption of the river’s water.
Judaism has always stressed the idea of sh’mitat haguf, protection of our own bodies, and pikuakh nefesh, the commandment to protect life at nearly any cost. We must press scientific and government agencies to research this unique and frightening phenomenon to assure that whatever chemical is changing the Bass anatomy will not have adverse affects on those drinking the Potomac River water.