1940:

the petrochemical era is born. Using new technology that involves thermal and catalytic tracking, synthetic chemicals are created from petroleum that have never existed before. From this date forward to 1982, the production of synthetic chemicals increases 350 times; a new chemical substance is being discovered every nine seconds of every work day.

1941:

the FDA approves DES for use as a treatment for menopausal women. Later the FDA extends DES use to a variety of conditions associated with pregnancy.

1945:

Nerve gas research conducted during the war results in the development of chemicals toxic to insects, producing an explosion in the production of pesticides.

1946:

A trend of widespread patenting of individual drugs and their chemical ingredients by U.S. pharmaceutical companies begins; previously the attitude of these drug companies had been to avoid patenting to remain 'ethical' in the eyes of consumers. Now drug manufacturers can keep drug prices artifically high.

1947:

sex hormones are first introduced into livestock production to add more fat and weight on the animals. One of those hormones, DES, is hailed as the most important development in the history of food production. Several decades later DES is found to cause cancer. Even after the FDA bans this substance, cattle continue to be administered illegal doses of DES.

1948:

from this date forward the American food industry doubles the amount of MSG every decade adding it to processed foods, including baby food. By the end of the century, researchers will discover that MSG can trigger dozens of toxic reactions in the human body.

1949:

the breast cancer rate for women is 58 cases per 100,000 people; within 40 years the breast cancer rate will be more than 100 cases per 100,000 people. The lifetime risk of contracting breast cancer more than doubles.

1950:

From this date forward to 2000, the overall incidence of cancer in the U.S. rises by 55 percent, with lung cancer due to smoking accounting for only one-quarter of this increase. Rates for breast cancer and male colon cancer increase during this period by 60 percent; testicular cancer by 100 percent; adult brain cancer by 80 percent; childhood cancer by 20 percent.

1952:

from this date forward to 1987, the production and use of synthetic pesticides in the U.S. will increase 13,000 times faster than before and just after World War II.

1953:

Dr. George Waldbott, vice president of the American College of Allergists, issues a warning that even small amounts of fluoride in water can cause acute and painful allergies. Whenever Dr. Waldbott's own patients stop drinking fluoridated water, they no longer experience headaches, muscle weakness, and stomach upsets.

1961:

the FDA approves a medication called Ritalin for use by children with behavior problems. By 1975, about 150,000 children in the U.S. will be taking Ritalin. By 2005, about 6 million U.S. children will be using Ritalin, representing 85 percent of total Ritalin consumption in the entire world.