The Dr. Hyman Show

How We Are Poisoning Our Children with Harriet Washington

Mar 4, 2020
Harriet Washington, an acclaimed author known for her groundbreaking works on environmental racism, sheds light on the hidden dangers facing marginalized communities. She discusses how systemic policies expose Black and Brown populations to harmful toxins like lead, resulting in significant health disparities. The dialogue emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and action regarding food deserts and environmental injustices. Washington also highlights the shocking economic losses tied to these health crises, urging listeners to advocate for change and accountability.
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INSIGHT

Racism's Impact on Health

  • Race has no biological reality, but racism is real and impacts health.
  • Policies based on race, like segregation, trap people of color in toxic environments.
ANECDOTE

Housing Discrimination

  • Harriet Washington's father, despite being in the army, faced housing discrimination.
  • A PhD chemist at Eastman Kodak also struggled for years to buy a house in the suburbs due to his race.
INSIGHT

Lead Poisoning: A National Crisis

  • Lead poisoning is a nationwide issue affecting all metropolitan areas, not just Flint.
  • Areas with influential residents, like legislators, see faster environmental cleanup.
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