Pbb: Michigan Chemical Poisoning Reverberates 50 Years Later

Chemical Pollution—The Silent Killer...

In 1973, a chemical company's blunder led to the shipment of PBB, a flame-retardant chemical, to a livestock feed mixing plant. What unfolded was a devastating cascade of blame, as the effects of PBB spread uncontrollably, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake that lingers today.

The eye-opening pages of this investigative probe unveils the chilling consequences of environmental pollution as that threaten to change the DNA structure of future generations. They affect our reproductive ability, our embryonic development, our biochemistry, our brain development and thought processes, our cultures and even evolution itself.

Board-certified in occupational and environmental medicine, author Dr. Tom Corbett meticulously unravels the timeline of events, the harrowing repercussions on both humans and animals, and the arduous efforts made to rectify the situation. Questions of justice loom large.

The ongoing emission of toxic chemicals into our food, water, air, and soil is an alarming reality. This book serves as a timely warning, urging us to pay heed. Cancer, birth defects, and a myriad of other maladies are the grim outcomes of these chemicals.

As one reviewer reflects, “In this compelling account of history, geology, and the perils of ignorance driven by capitalistic greed, corporate abuse, politics, and denial, Corbett's message is clear.” It is imperative that we remain vigilant, never assuming what is false to be true. This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the Earth and its inhabitants, recognizing the profound importance of preserving our fragile planet.

T.H. Corbett is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and School of Public Health. Following his internship, he served as a medical officer on the USCGC Chautauqua (Hawaii) and as a physician in the US Public Health Service in Alaska (Anchorage and Barrow) and New Mexico (Laguna). Following his service, he returned to Ann Arbor for additional training in internal medicine, reproductive biology, anesthesiology, and occupational/environmental medicine. He was board certified in the latter two specialties. He conducted pioneering research in operating-room pollution and conducted research on the carcinogenicity and teratogenicity of anesthetic agents and of polybrominated biphenyls. Upon identification of PBB as the contaminant in Michigan's food supply, he was the first to publicly warn residents to not eat the contaminated farm products and warned mothers not to breast feed their babies. In 1976, he was a recipient of the US Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Quality Award.He has authored six books, including Cancer and Chemicals (1977) and the award-winning Laguna Pueblo - A Photographic History (2015) with co-author Lee Marmon.T.H. Corbett is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and School of Public Health. Following his internship, he served as a medical officer on the USCGC Chautauqua (Hawaii) and as a physician in the US Public Health Service in Alaska (Anchorage and Barrow) and New Mexico (Laguna). Following his service, he returned to Ann Arbor for additional training in internal medicine, reproductive biology, anesthesiology, and occupational/environmental medicine. He was board certified in the latter two specialties. He conducted pioneering research in operating-room pollution and conducted research on the carcinogenicity and teratogenicity of anesthetic agents and of polybrominated biphenyls. Upon identification of PBB as the contaminant in Michigan's food supply, he was the first to publicly warn residents to not eat the contaminated farm products and warned mothers not to breast feed their babies. In 1976, he was a recipient of the US Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Quality Award.He has authored six books, including Cancer and Chemicals (1977) and the award-winning Laguna Pueblo - A Photographic History (2015) with co-author Lee Marmon.Dr. Corbett is retired and lives In Ann Arbor.