Jo Immig, environmental scientist (University of Technology, Sydney) and author of the popular books 'Toxic Playground' and 'Safer Solutions', is currently co-ordinator of the National Toxics Network, Australia's only expert non-government organisation working to reduce global toxic chemical pollution. Jo is also a freelance researcher and writer and was recently a consultant to the community education project - Safer Solutions: Keeping Your Home Healthy and Green.
Jo has worked in the community and environment sector for over twenty years specialising in areas such as the impacts of pesticides on health and the environment, industrial pollution, the effects of household chemicals and children's special vulnerability to chemical exposures. She is a representative for peak environment groups on Government advisory committees such as the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and the NSW Agricultural Advisory Council on Gene Technology.
Jo worked as a political advisor for several years and knows what it takes to make big changes to the laws governing chemicals in our environment. She believes that individuals can make healthier choices around their homes to reduce their chemical exposures but that ultimately we need collective action to make a real impact on chemical pollution in the environment.
Jo is currently researching the unique sensitivity of children to everyday chemical exposures. With the National Toxics Network she is working to introduce special legislation that would recognise the rights of children to be protected from environmental pollution and put in place measures to ensure childen's environmental health is a priority public health objective.
See www.oztoxics.org/ntn/ for further information.
Jo walks the talk and together with her partner has created a healthy and sustainable home from recycled and natural materials and has a thriving organic vegetable garden.
