Great (not)… The TTC is erecting more accessibility barriers for people who are disabled with EHS, and it’s a big move backwards for protecting the health of children and pregnant women.
Accessibility wise, this is similar to removing ramps for people who are mobility disabled. It creates barriers to access and also subjects some people to further pain, suffering and disability.
Blanketing the subway system with microwave radiation is NOT a good idea when independent research shows enough harm caused by exposures that wireless is now declared a class 2 carcinogen…
Using the precautionary approach would be the wise thing to do.
See C4ST for more information about wireless technologies and health.
Frank Clegg, the former CEO and President of Microsoft Canada is the CEO of C4ST.
The oil industry is not about peace. This film documents one of the greatest cases of Ecocide in our time, and the story behind it. Sadly, it’s not over yet.
Ecocide is the extensive damage to, destruction of or loss of ecosystem(s) of a given territory, whether by human agency or by other causes, to such an extent that peaceful enjoyment by the inhabitants of that territory has been or will be severely diminished.
More about OBGY initiatives to inform women of childbearing age about the hazards that toxic chemical exposures can present to our future generations… from H&E, which is published by the Cancer Prevention and Education Society:
Chemerical is a film about a regular family as they learn about what’s lurking in their products, struggle to come to terms with the new info, and then learn how to make safer changes in their lives.
“Chemerical” explores the life cycle of everyday household cleaners and hygiene products to prove that, thanks to our clean obsession, we are drowning in sea of toxicity.
The film is at once humorous, as we watch the Goode family try to turn a new leaf by creating and living in a toxic free home, and informative, as director Andrew Nisker works with many experts to give audiences the tools and inspiration to live toxic free.
Andrew Nisker weaves visits to the Environmental Health Clinic in Toronto,
“Overall, 34.7 % of the population reported one or more types of adverse health effects from exposure to one or more types of fragranced products.”
“72.6 % were not aware that even so-called natural, green, and organic fragranced products typically emit hazardous air pollutants.”
“20.2 % of the population reported that if they enter a business, and smell air fresheners or some fragranced product, they want to leave as quickly as possible.”
“Significantly, 15.1 % of the general population reported that exposure to fragranced products in their work environment has caused them to become sick, lose workdays, or lose a job.”
…”Finally, for public officials, the problem of “secondhand scents,” or indirect exposure to fragranced products, has parallels to secondhand tobacco smoke. Prevention from fragrance product exposure will enable individuals to work in their workplaces, attend school, and function in society without suffering involuntary harm.” …
Ontario Centre of Excellence in Environmental Health
Business Case Proposal Project
I’ve received the following email and attachments (copied below) which we are being asked to share:
Dear Friends of the ES/MCS Community:
We have some very important and exciting news to share with you regarding the creation of a number of key health and social supports within the health care system for people who suffer from environmental sensitivities and multiple chemical sensitivities (ES/MCS).
We are attaching the following:
1. Letter which is self-explanatory with the latest news
2. Questions and Answers Background Briefing document which describes Steering Committee of the Ontario Centre of Excellence in Environmental Health Business Case Proposal project.
What follows is copied from the PDFs for those who do not have easy access to downloading
(The PDF is also available for those who prefer to download files)
What is happening with salmon, has happened before. In fact, it’s very similar to what has happened regarding MCS/ES.
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Missing Fraser River Sockeye Photo via Leanne Hodges
In addition to the diseases being found in most farmed salmon now, there are many toxic chemicals used in farmed salmon feed and in the pesticides that are used to “treat” the viruses. You wouldn’t want to BE a farmed salmon, nor would you want to eat any, or feed them to your family or pets if you knew all this!
…”Staggering” levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been found in farmed salmon.” …
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“Farmed Salmon: Unhealthy and Unsustainable”
(2010) by Jean-Michel Cousteau, first son of Jacques Cousteau
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I just got the new IKEA catalogue, and they make a big deal out of using farmed salmon. You might want to let them know that serving harmful food to their customers is not a good business strategy.
Listeria monocytogenes bacteria detected in some ready-to-eat smoked salmon samples sparked a rash of recalls in recent months, with major fish producers such as Ocean Beauty, Marine Harvest and Pacific Seafood Group, plus retail giants including Whole Foods Market, Walmart and Ralph’s, getting caught in the recall net.
“Difficult to detect or cure, listeriosis may start with a fever or stiff neck and then progress to confusion and convulsions, encephalitis and meningitis. Nearly everyone who gets invasive listeriosis requires hospitalization and a weeks-long course of intravenous antibiotics. Odds are that the disease will kill one out of every five victims, giving it the highest mortality rate of foodborne pathogens.”
Children of all ages, as well as teachers, require healthy environments to thrive in. Schools, unfortunately, have notoriously poor indoor air quality.
One thing that contributes to poor IAQ is the use of fragrance chemicals in cleaning products, as well as in personal care and laundry products.
These chemicals do nothing to enhance the air quality, and much to induce cognitive and neurological impairments, sperm damage and respiratory problems.
Boys who overused sprays such as Axe Body Spray have prompted the Brandon School Division to ban perfumes and colognes.(Canadian Press) / via CBC
Over-use of these products is not the real problem.
The real problem is that these products contain toxic chemicals and serious allergens, and these chemicals and allergens do not respect personal boundaries or property lines, but trespass into everyone’s air, brains and bodies.
How to File an ADA Complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice
You can file an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint alleging disability discrimination against a State or local government or a public accommodation (private business including, for example, a restaurant, doctor’s office, retail store, hotel, etc.).
Report an Adverse Effect or Unsafe Product (U.S.)
Product Safety Commission – Through SaferProducts.gov, consumers, child service providers, health care professionals, government officials and public safety entities can submit reports of harm
CHE Toxicant and Disease Database
a searchable database that summarizes links between chemical contaminants and approximately 180 human diseases or conditions.
Sandra Steingraber
, an acclaimed ecologist and author, explores the links between human rights and the environment, with a focus on chemical contamination
Toxic Clout
explores how the industry’s actions create uncertainty and delay, threatening public health. The Center for Public Integrity
TOXNET
– Databases on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, environmental health, and toxic releases.
UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment
PRHE has developed a series of brochures that describe the common types and routes of exposure to toxic substances and provide evidence-based recommendations on ways to reduce those exposures
US Chemical Policy Reform
Physicians for Social Responsibility… statements from a number of organizations concerned about the new bill
Washington Toxics Coalition
We promote alternatives, advocate policies, empower communities and educate people to create a healthy environment.
Food
Buy Non-GMO
Buying non-GMO not only impacts your own and your family’s health concerns, it also influences the buying decisions of food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Cultivating Food Co-ops
– resources and tools to meet the needs of those involved in sustainable food and farming co-operatives
Dr Vandana Shiva and Navdanya
are actively involved in the rejuvenation of indigenous knowledge and culture. It has created awareness on the hazards of genetic engineering, defended people’s knowledge from biopiracy and food rights in the face of globalisation and climate chan
Dr. Anne C. Steinemann
Resources: Fragrance-Free Policies, CDC Indoor Environmental Quality Policy, Leaders for Healthier Air, Air Freshener Fact Sheet, Green Clean Fact Sheet , Toxic Chemicals in Air Fresheners, Toxic Chemicals in Fragranced Laundry Products
Center for a New American Dream
We seek to cultivate a new American dream—one that emphasizes community, ecological sustainability, and a celebration of non-material values.
Sandrup Jongkhar Inititiative, Bhutan
establishing food security and self-sufficiency, protecting and enhancing the natural environment, strengthening communities, stemming the rural-urban migration tide, and fostering a cooperative, productive, entrepreneurial and self-reliant spirit
Accommodation and Compliance: Electrical Sensitivity
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
How to File an ADA Complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice
You can file an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint alleging disability discrimination against a State or local government or a public accommodation (private business including, for example, a restaurant, doctor’s office, retail store, hotel, etc.).
Chemical Sensitivity Foundation
The primary goal of the Chemical Sensitivity Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, is to raise public awareness about multiple chemical sensitivity.
EI Wellspring
Practical Tips for Coping with Chemical and Electrical Hypersensitivity
Environmental Health Center-Dallas
The mission of the Environmental Health Center – Dallas is to provide superior medical care and education with a special emphasis on the effects of environmental factors on health and disease.
Quinte Healthcare Corporation
Accessibility – Environmental Sensitivities (previously known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivities)
Scent Reduction at Southlake Hospital
FAQ – an introduction (note, reduction is not the same as elimination, and they don’t mention scented laundry products, which can be worse than perfumes)
Miscellaneous
Amelia Hill
from Australia, her MCS story and resources
Marie LeBlanc
Canadian disability artist Marie LeBlanc advocates for those living with environmental sensitivities/multiple chemical sensitivity through her art.
Paradigm Change
While we are interested in all kinds of toxins (including heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, fire retardants and other chemicals), a particular focus is on the biotoxins made by molds, cyanobacteria and other microorganisms.
Safe Canary Nest
Excellent compilation of resources for canaries
ThinkBeforeYouStink
An educational resource for reducing your chemical and fragrance footprint, improving your health, and making your home or business safe and accessible for all.
Orion Magazine
to inform, inspire, and engage individuals and grassroots organizations in becoming a significant cultural force for healing nature and community.
The Story of Stuff Project
Short, easily shareable online movies that explore some of the key features of our relationship with Stuff
News
Environmental Health News
a foundation-funded news organization that advances the public’s understanding of environmental health issues by reporting and publishing news stories and providing daily access to news from other media around the world.
O Ecotextiles
Excellent info on chemicals in textiles and furnishings
Report an Adverse Effect or Unsafe Product (U.S.)
Product Safety Commission – Through SaferProducts.gov, consumers, child service providers, health care professionals, government officials and public safety entities can submit reports of harm
Accommodation and Compliance: Electrical Sensitivity
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
Bio Initiative
—A rationale for a biologically-based public exposure standard for electromagnetic fields
EI Wellspring
Practical Tips for Coping with Chemical and Electrical Hypersensitivity
The BabySafe Wireless Project
a joint initiative of two environmental health non-profit organizations providing info like What You Should Know About Wireless Radiation and Your Baby
The Switch2Safe project
exists to inform the public of the dangers of e-pollution and to advise on ways to lower it in the home, at work and other public places
Seriously "Sensitive" to Pollution 