The Environmental Health Clinic

The Environmental Health Clinic is modelled on health clinics at U.S. universities, but approaches health from an understanding of its dependence on external local environments, rather than on the internal biology and genetic predispositions of an individual. The clinic prescribes not pharmaceuticals but actions; and gives referrals, not to medical specialists but to specific art, design and participatory projects, local environmental organizations and local government or civil society groups.

As part of Feedback, the clinic’s installation features free tadpoles, dispensed via water coolers. Tadpoles are exquisitely sensitive sensors for endocrine destructors; a recent report indicates that the average age of menarche (the medical name for when girls get their periods) has dropped by two to three years because of endocrine disruptors in the environment. Amphibian sensitivity to this, due to their complex adolescent transformation, is resulting in frogs with extra limbs. At The Environmental Health Clinic tadpoles are prescribed to address residents’ local water concerns and issues relating to local government decisions that affect water quality.

The Environmental Health Clinic's office hours during Feedback are:
Saturday, March 15, Noon – 6PM
Saturday, March 29, Noon – 6PM