On this International Women’s Day, researchers, women’s groups, health groups, neighborhood groups and citizens of all backgrounds, let us unite our voices to say that we are tired of the contamination by toxic substances in the air that we breathe – inside and out – from furniture and some interior finishes, whether at home or in the office, from our clothes and food, and from our personal care products.
Posted yesterday at 11:00 a.m.
To curb this contamination, or even put an end to it, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, which regulates toxic substances, must be reformed. We therefore welcome the fact that the government has tabled Bill S-5, Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthy Canada Act. However, in its current form, Bill S-5 needs to be significantly strengthened to protect Canadians from the harms posed by toxic substances in the 21stand century.
The public lacks information about the ingredients and materials that make up consumer goods and their effects on health. It is true that the problem sometimes makes headlines, as was the case for bisphenol A (BPA) in cash receipts, or flame retardants in furniture and children’s pajamas.
These cases only show how badly the regulations need to be reformed, but the picture is even more serious.
Take the example of BPA. BPA is a very harmful hormone (or endocrine) disruptor that can mimic or interfere with estrogen with multiple possible health effects. The Endocrinology Society published a recent review where they report overwhelming evidence of adverse effects of BPA exposure reported in the scientific literature, including precocious puberty, breast cancer, ovarian cysts, ovarian syndrome polycystic, a range of neurological effects, and more. However, BPA remains widely used. As for bisphenol S and bisphenol F, proposed as substitutes, they are just as toxic.
Another specific case is that of perfluorinated or SPFA (or PFAS). This class includes nearly 5,000 chemicals, a number that continues to grow. They are used in almost all manufacturing sectors, including food containers, stain-resistant textiles and furniture, clothing, a wide range of cosmetics, and many other products.
Health issues associated with PFAS include cancers (testicular and kidney), hormonal dysfunctions, thyroid disease, immunological effects, and reproductive disorders, among others.
PFASs do not degrade and therefore retain their toxicity over time. They cause tremendous harm to people, animals and ecosystems, and they will continue to do so for thousands of years.
Which brings us to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The cornerstone of Canadian legislation in this area, this law aims to fight against pollution to protect the environment and human health. The government is committed to carrying out this reform in the present mandate.
The vast majority of citizens do not know the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. We know, however, that we have a major problem with toxic substances disproportionately affecting women, pregnant people, children and racialized communities. Enough is enough. Exposure to toxic substances makes us sick. The time has come for the government to act – and with great determination.