The Falling Age of Puberty in U.S. Girls: What We Know and Need to Know, at the Doubletree Hotel in Portland

Over the course of a few decades, the childhoods of U.S. girls have been significantly shortened. What does this mean for girls today and their health in the future? Sandra Steingraber, PhD and author of “Consequences of Early Puberty in U.S. Girls - Implications for Learning,” will share recent findings in this area and to discuss the policy actions that are needed to address this problem. Click link above for details.

Girls get their first periods today, on average, a few months earlier than did girls 40 years ago, but they get their breasts one to two years earlier. Over the course of a few decades, the childhoods of U.S. girls have been significantly shortened. What does this mean for girls today and their health in the future? Early puberty is caused by a combination of factors. The interactions among these factors can be quite complex. As an example: We know that endocrine-disrupting chemicals are a possible cause of early puberty, but we also know that exposure to these chemicals in utero or early in life can also lead to low birth weight and obesity, which are themselves possible causes of early puberty. Sandra Steingraber, PhD, distinguished visiting scholar in the Division of Interdisciplinary Studies, Ithaca College, and author of “Consequences of Early Puberty in U.S. Girls - Implications for Learning,” will share recent findings in this area and to discuss the policy actions that are needed to address this problem.

This event is from 6:00 — 8:00 P.M. at the Doubletree Hotel-Lloyd Center, 1000 NE Multnomah, Portland. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Cost is $35 per event ($25 for OEC members and employees of nonprofit or governmental agencies). Purchasing tickets for this event also entitles non-members to a complimentary year of membership with the Oregon Environmental Council. Reservations can be made online at www.oeconline.org.