CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — Renowned environmental writer and biologist Sandra Steingraber will present “Contaminated Without Consent: Cancer, Agricultural Chemicals & Human Rights,” from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16 in 002 Sabin Hall on the University of Northern Iowa campus. 

The talk, free and open to the public, will explore the involuntary cancer risks posed by exposures to agricultural chemicals in the Midwestern Corn Belt and examine the promises of agroecology as an alternative to industrial agriculture. Steingraber will also describe her lived experience as a young biologist diagnosed with cancer in rural Illinois and provide a human rights approach to the idea that “behind every data point in the cancer registry there is a human life.”

Steingraber holds a PhD in ecology from the University of Michigan. She is the author of a trilogy of award-winning books on environmental health: "Living Downstream: An Ecologist’s Personal Investigation of Cancer and the Environment" (adapted as a documentary film in 2010); "Having Faith: An Ecologist’s Journey to Motherhood"; and "Raising Elijah: Protecting Our Children in an Age of Environmental Crisis."

The lecture will end with time for questions from the audience and a book signing from Steingraber to follow. It is sponsored by the School of Health & Human Sciences, Center for Energy & Environmental Education, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences and College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences at 319-273-2221 prior to the event.