Toxics in Our Home

Speaker: Muhannad MalasWritten by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain

Toxins exist throughout our homes; whether they are in our living room floors, our furniture or even in our cooking ware, they can be present all around us without us even knowing. Regardless of how cautious we may be toxins can be hard to escape. Many times we may be bringing harmful toxins into our homes without even realizing. This can occur due to either not knowing which products are detrimental to our health, or because of toxic ingredients not being listed on product labels. For instance, flame retardants which were originally developed as an industrial gimmick as a result of tobacco industries being blamed for causing fires. In order to overcome these accusations, tobacco companies collaborated with the furniture industry and created furniture soaked in flame retardants intended to delay the onset of fires. Unlike the U.S, Canadian policies have not mandated that flame retardants be included in product labels, in order to prevent an economic decline amongst furniture industries. This has resulted in many Canadian consumers being unaware of their presence when purchasing furniture; thereby unknowingly introducing harmful toxins into their homes. Additionally, many products include an ingredient labelled “*Fragrance”, which encompasses many toxic ingredients one of which includes phthalates. However companies are not required to include the specific chemicals that make up this ingredient on product labels. Although policies have been passed, to eliminate the use of toxins in some products, they do not necessarily prevent its use within other products. This has been demonstrated by the previous ban of BPA use in baby bottles but its continual presence in 2/3rds of Canadian cans.

Many toxins are known to be carcinogenic, and can be attributed to the development of a wide range of cancers. Other toxins are known as endocrine disruptors which affect the function of natural hormones in our body, potentially leading to reproductive problems, diabetes and obesity, among many others. Not only are toxins damaging to our health but they can also negatively impact our environment, including polluting our water and soil. In addition to polluting our environment, toxins can be present within these areas for long periods of time and can also travel long distances throughout our environment, which can be harmful to our wildlife. Studies have demonstrated toxins affecting the seal population in the arctic; this in turn introduces these detrimental chemicals into the Inuit population, as they commonly ingest seals as part of their staple diet. An example of this is flame retardants which have a high affinity for fatty tissue. Therefore pregnant women consuming contaminated seal meat can pass the toxin to their children through the process of breastfeeding.

(I.e. Flame retardants enter environment → Contaminate seals → Contaminated seals consumed by Inuit population → Flame retardants deposit in fatty tissue of these Inuit women → Thus toxins passed on to breastfed infant).

Some common toxins that are present within our homes and in household products include the following:

TOXINS WHERE TOXINS ARE PRESENT TOXIC EFFECTS Bisphenol A & Similar Compounds

(BPA, BPS, BPF)

- Food cans

 → BPA used in lining of

      aluminum cans & in lids    

      of some glass jars

→  BPA can come out of

     some of the food cans

     and contaminate foods

→  More acidic and hotter

     foods (i.e. canned soups)

     contain & release more

     BPA in food   

- Plastic containers

- Plastic Reusable Bottles

- Cash Register Receipts

  → BPA makes plastics harder

- Endocrine/Hormone

 Disruptors

- BPA linked to Breast Cancer

Flame Retardants

(DecaBDE, TetraBDE, TDCPP, TPHP)

- Couches

- Office Chairs

- Mattresses

- Nail Polish

 →  flame retardants (i.e. PBDEs,  

        chlorinated organophosphate

        types, brominated diphenyl

        ethers) are widely used in

        polyurethane foam, upholstered

        furniture (i.e.couch foam) &

        carpets, delay the onset of fire  

- Hormone Disruptors

- PBDEs can impact fetal brain

 development

- Cancer

- Low IQ in children

Phthalates & Parabens - Nail Polish

- Parfum/Fragrance

- Makeup

- Personal Care Products

- Vinyl Floors (Phthalates)

  →  Phthalates make plastics more

        malleable

- Hormone Disruptors

- Reproductive Toxicants

- Allergens

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

(Terpenes, Toluene)

- Cleaning Products

- Air Freshener Sprays

- Air Pollutants

- Contribute to smog

- Some VOCs increase cancer   

  risk

Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs)

(PFOA, PFOS)

- Non-Stick (Teflon) Cookware

- Water & Stain Resistant

  Clothing & Furniture

- Hormone Disruptors

- Some PFCs are carcinogenic

- Persistent Environmental

  Pollutants (POPs)

Triclosan - Often used as “Antibacterial”

- Toothpaste

- Hand Sanitizers

- Deodorants

- Hormone Disruptors

- Toxic to Aquatic Ecosystems

 (i.e. fish)

Lead - Makeup

- Imported Plumbing Supplies

- Old Paint

- Solder

- Reproductive toxicant

- Neurotoxic

- Environmental Pollutant

- No safe exposure level for children

Mercury - Compact Fluorescent Bulb

- Batteries

- Risk of exposure when

 bulbs/batteries break

 → Proper disposal is important

- Neurotoxic; affects child

 development

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) - Fluorescent Bulbs

- Oil-Based Paint

- Caulking

- Most uses banned but can still

 be found in old electronic

 equipment & building material

- Hormone disruptors

- Carcinogens & Neurotoxins

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - Coal Tar Driveway Sealants  &

 Roofing Materials

- Cosmetics & Shampoos

 containing Coal Tar

- Highly Carcinogenic

- Hormone disruptors

- Pollute streams & lakes   

  through rainwater runoff

The toxins present within our homes were demonstrated by Mr. Malas, who isolated individual toxins present in different rooms within our homes and addressed various ways to manage these harmful chemicals.

Location Common Toxins in those areas Some Solutions Living Room Flame Retardants:

- Couch

- In old & worn out furniture

 flame retardants can seep  

 through the furniture material,

 speeding up the process of

 off-gassing

- Electronics

VOCs:

- Paint

Lead:

- Paint in houses painted >20

  years ago

PCBs, PVC:

- Older electronics

 → PVC’s are used to insulate

      wire

Phthalates:

(formaldehyde contaminate created through the process of gassing when chemicals are released into the air)

- Laminate Flooring

- Look at labels

 →  For curtains, carpets or

       upholstery choose

       untreated, naturally

       flame-resistant textiles like

       wool

- Air out new furniture before

 placing it in your home or open

 windows to air out new

 furniture

- Remove dust regularly with

 damp cloth, by dusting &/or     

 vacuuming because flame  

 retardants attach to dust

- Bring out household plants to

  naturally remove toxins

- Throw out old/worn out

 furniture

Kitchen HFCs

(hydrofluorocarbons):

- Refrigerator

PFCs

PFOA, PFOS (e.g. Teflon):

- Non-stick cookware (i.e. pans)

BPA:

- Cooking utensils (if plastic)

- Food Cans

- Plastic packaging materials of

 foods

Phthalates

VOCs:

(Formaldehyde created when toxins released and react with ozone)

 → carcinogenic

- Cooking utensils (if plastic)

- Cleaning Products

Lead:

- Pipes

Pesticide Residue :

- Foods

- Purchase and eat fresh, frozen

 & dried foods

- Do not heat frozen foods in

 plastic containers/packaging

- Purchase foods in glass or BPA

 free containers

- Look for foods that are free of

 BPA & BPA alternatives  

- Use ceramic, stainless steel or

 cast iron

- Avoid scratching non-stick

 cookware or using on high

 heat

- Avoid using plastic utensils for

 cooking. Use wooden utensils.

Bathroom Phthalates, Parabens:

- Personal Care Products

- Cosmetics

- Shampoo/Conditioners

Sulfates:

- Personal Care Products

Triclosan:

- Toothpaste

- Deodorant

- Hand Soaps

- Clothing

Flame Retardants:

- Nail polish

PVC:

- Shower Curtain (if plastic)

- Look at labels

- Avoid labels that include the

terms “parfum” or “fragrance”

- Make own products

- Look for eco-certified products

- Use natural ingredients and

 fresheners

- Use BCAQ’s lists of toxic 20

- Avoid using plastic shower

 curtains

  → If can’t avoid using plastic

       shower curtain, then air out

  → It can take up to 3 weeks to

       completely air out the

       toxins present in plastic

       shower curtains

As demonstrated, many small components of household products and material contain some type of toxin. On a larger scale, each of these individual chemicals has contributed to the massive amount of toxins we have present within our homes and their synergistic effects with one another. In order to prevent or at least reduce their negative effects, the first step is to be aware of what is present in the products around us. We must make a conscious effort to purchase materials that are known to be free of toxins and continue to educate ourselves about the ingredients in newer and previously used products.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS    

1)  What is Toxic Home Syndrome? How is it caused and what can be done to prevent it?

Toxic home syndrome is the household equivalent to Sick Building Syndrome. Toxic home syndrome occurs when the polluted air within people’s homes causes their health to deteriorate. This essentially increases their risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, asthma and cancer.  Toxic Home Syndrome affects over 15 million homes, when common household practises such as gas stove cooking, or the use of a dryer emits toxins detrimental to our health into our homes. Additionally organisms and chemicals can seep through basement floors especially when insufficient ventilation prevents the dilution of contaminants. This further introduces harmful toxins into our household air such as mold spores, carbon monoxide, VOCs and radon.   

            Inadequately ventilated homes have higher carbon dioxide levels which can cause feelings of fatigue, lethargy and congestion.  Low to moderately high levels of contaminants can cause the following symptoms to present: coughing, sneezing, dizziness and watery eyes. At severely high levels, symptoms exhibited can include: nose bleeds, wheezing, asthma, lung disease, muscle pain and rashes.  

            Toxic Home Syndrome can develop from exposure to the following contaminants due to some common household practises:  

Household Practises/Contamination Toxins/Contaminants Released Health Effects Mold Contamination - Mold Spores & Fungal Particulates

- Toxigenic Molds may release       

 Mycotoxins

Spores:

- Allergic Rhinitis

- Asthma  

Drying Laundry - VOCs

 → Acetaldehyde & Benzene

      can be off- gassed by washing &

      drying clothes indoors

VOCs:

- Lung Irritation

- Headache

- Nausea

Acetaldehyde & Benzene:

- Carcinogenic

Using Fireplace - Particle pollution in smoke - Damage Lung tissue

- Respiratory problems

Carpeted Homes - Dust mites, fungus, dirt, dander &  

    pet hair can potentially hide in

    carpeting

- Triggers asthma attacks

- Severe allergic reactions

- Lung irritation

Cooking with Gas stove - Nitrogen Dioxide

- Formaldehyde

- Acrolein

- Carbon Monoxide

- Cancer

- Respiratory symptoms

Using Basement - Radon

 →  by-product released when     

         uranium in soil and rock breaks   

         down

 →  Seeps in through cracks in

         basement floors, walls or

         foundations and enters home

- Lung Cancer

Increasing ventilation within homes has been shown to reduce the negative effects of Toxic Home Syndrome by as much as 38%. This can be achieved by checking HVAC systems, opening windows, or using a blower/fan indoors. Other ways to improve household air quality include:

•  Drying clothes outdoors using a clothing line or opening laundry room windows

• Using hardwood flooring instead of carpet

• Keeping shoes off indoors, as shoes can introduce outdoor dirt, pollen and soil as well as spread contaminants and debris into homes

• When painting homes, use low VOC painting products, open window to remove

             contaminants from paint and avoid using room until paint has completely dried

• Ensure that vent fan above gas stove is functioning and is adequately venting to outside the home

2) What specific toxins can different plant species clear from our homes?

•  Golden Pothos: Formaldehyde, other VOCs

•  Ficus Alii: General air purifier

•  Spider Plant: Benzene, Formaldehyde, Carbon Monoxide, Xylene

•  Lady Palm: General air purifier

•  Snake Plant: Formaldehyde

• Aloe: Formaldehyde, Benzene

• Moth Orchid: Formaldehyde

• Dwarf Pygmy Date Palm: Formaldehyde, Xylene

• Chinese Evergreen: Air Pollutants, Toxins

• Chrysanthemum: Benzene

• Gerber Daisy: Trichloroethylene, Benzene

• Red-Edged Dracaena: Xylene, Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde

• Weeping Fig: Formaldehyde, Benzene, Trichloroethylene

• English Ivy: Airborne fecal-matter particles

• Azalea: Formaldehyde

• Heart Leaf Philodendron: Formaldehyde, many other air pollutants

• Warneck Dracaena: Pollutants associated with varnishes & oils

• Boston Fern: Formaldehyde

• Bamboo Palm: Benzene, Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde

• Peace Lily: Formaldehyde, Benzene, Trichloroethylene, Toluene, Xylene

3)  What are common toxins found in the tap water within our homes and what illnesses have been linked to its exposure?

Tap water has been shown to contain over 700 chemicals including cadmium, barium, lead, perfluorochemicals and polychlorinated biphenyls/PCBs to name a few. These toxins initially pollute soil, which in turn contaminates groundwater, and this eventually leads to their presence within tap water. Some of the negative effects of toxins present in tap water have been linked to such illnesses as: cancer, hypothyroidism and damage to the immune system. In higher concentrations some tap water contaminants can potentially lead to brain, liver and kidney damage in addition to various cancers.

When tap water contaminants are heated, they can become inhalable gasses, which can be inhaled while showering. Chloramines and chlorine, two chemicals commonly used in the treatment of drinking water are typically vaporized and inhaled while showering, increasing the risk of bladder cancer, hypertension, allergies and lung damage.  

Using a showerhead filter can prevent the exposure of inhalable gasses and chemicals. These showerheads filters can remove the following contaminants: chlorine, chloramines, barium, lead and mercury. This can prevent the development of the detrimental health conditions related to these toxins.

Sources

1)      "20 Houseplants That Clear Toxins From Your Home." 20 Houseplants To Clear Toxins From The Air In Your Home! N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. (http://www.care2.com/greenliving/20-houseplants-to-clear-toxins-from-your-home.html)

2)      Admin. "Hidden Toxins in Your Home | Bottom Line Inc." Bottom Line Inc. N.p., 01 Feb. 2016. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. (http://bottomlineinc.com/hidden-toxins-in-your-home/)

3)      Admin, By. "Toxic Home Syndrome: Could Your Home Be Making You Ill?" Air Quality Testing by Air Quality Solutions 1844AIR TEST. N.p., 09 Apr. 2015. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. (http://www.airqualitysolutions.ca/toxic-home-syndrome/)

How the Urban Forest Benefits Our Health

Speaker: Tooba Shakeel (LEAF)Written by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain

Taking a stroll at the park, gardening in our backyards and cruising down the road, we have all done at least one of these things at some point in our lives but what do all of these activities have in common? In all of these scenarios you will see trees and tree-related plants like wildflower and shrubs, each of which encompasses the “urban forest”. In short, the urban forest is a collection of trees that grows within a city, town or suburb. The urban forest is so important because it combats climate change and provides environmental, health, community as well as ecological benefits, to name a few.

The urban forest decreases air temperatures by providing shade and allowing water to evaporate from tree leaves. This in turn reduces household energy consumption for cooling from 10-50%. Additionally they lower the urban heat island effect, which is a phenomenon in which temperatures in urbanized areas are significantly warmer compared to surrounding rural areas due to human activities. Urban trees also protect and improve the quality of air, water and soil. Air quality is recuperated by the tree’s ability to trap pollution particles that cause breathing problems. In addition to providing oxygen they absorb and store carbon dioxide, removing it from the air. This also helps achieve carbon mitigation. Urban trees have been found to contain approximately four times more carbon than trees in forests. Their shade also helps decrease ozone emission released from cars. Trees improve water quality and intercepts rainfall, resulting in reduced storm water runoff, thereby preventing high amounts of stress on the grey infrastructure. They also store water and release it slowly in order to avoid the development of floods. Furthermore urban forests remediate contaminated soil and decrease erosion.

   Urban trees have been shown to reduce the billions of dollars spent on healthcare costs each year. This is achieved by improving physical and mental health. Studies have demonstrated that individuals are more likely to spend time outdoors being more social and active when trees are around. The view of trees from hospitals is also likely to decrease recovery time and hospital stays. It has also been seen to improve attention at school and work due to people feeling more satisfied in their environment. Additionally forest bathing therapy has been proven to provide calming neuropsychological effects within the nervous system. Urban trees have also been shown to have positive effects on hormone levels, and decrease stress.  Other health benefits of the urban forest include providing UV protection and decreasing asthma. Their ability to reduce noise pollution by acting as sound barriers, not only provides health benefits, by preventing hearing loss, but also provides community benefits, by creating a more pleasant atmosphere in which to live.

 Neighbourhoods that contain more trees and green space have an increased sense of connectivity and community. Urban trees can increase residential property values by up to 30% and business traffic in commercial areas as they provide a high aesthetic value. There has also been a correlation between decreased crime, graffiti and vandalism seen in these communities. They also improve road safety in these areas by calming traffic and by decreasing road rage, accidents as well as road maintenance in these communities. Not only is the urban forest beneficial to the lives of humans but also to wildlife.

Toronto urban forests provide the equivalence of more than $28.2 million in ecological services per year. This is achieved because they restore ecosystems by providing habitat and a source of food for urban wildlife.  They also act as an ideal location for migrating birds and butterflies, in addition to supporting pollinator biodiversity.

            Although urban forests are so valuable to us environmentally, physically, mentally, cognitively, regionally and ecologically, they are facing a large amount of stressors in Toronto. There is less area for tree’s to grow both under and over ground, due to low soil volumes and crowded areas. Improper care and watering has led to poor quality soil which lacks adequate amounts of nutrients for trees and plants to extract. Invading pests like the emerald ash borer are also responsible for creating less ideal conditions for urban forests in Toronto.

            Since it would cost Toronto around $7 billion to replace all of their trees, the best way to improve the quality of urban forests other measures need to be taken. 60% of trees are located on private property where there may be a lack of control, therefore these individuals should be educated about ways to establish and maintain suitable growing conditions. These include planting more trees of diverse species and watering tree roots 2-3 times per week, with a slow trickle water flow. Additionally trees should be mulched in a doughnut shaped ring to prevent erosion caused by direct contact between the mulch and the tree base. Mulch trees replenish the nutrients in soil and should be soaked for 10-15 minutes. Newly planted trees are especially benefitted by these practises. Furthermore, it is important to protect the soil and remember that trees have roots, which grow outward instead of downward. These roots should be protected 2-4 inches below the soil.

Discussion questions:

1)   What is the connection between urban forests and reducing ADHD symptoms?

A study examining the relationship between children with ADHD and the urban forest was conducted by Frances Kuo and Andrea Faber Taylor. Both were specialists in psychology and environmental science at the University of Illinois. Their data showed that children with access to green spaces for leisure and activity demonstrated milder ADHD symptoms than children without.

The theory of attention restoration was a potential explanation for these findings. This theory focuses on directed and involuntary attention. Where directed attention refers to engaging in deliberate focus, such as during activities like reading, writing or driving. On the other hand involuntary attention describes periods of automatic focus, which occurs when walking on a busy sidewalk or when getting dressed in the morning.

Directed attention is necessary to maintain productivity. It is a limited resource in everyone and is even further reduced in children with ADHD. Taking part in activities such as playing in areas surrounded by greenspace outdoors, allows children to replenish their capacity for directed attention. Spontaneous play on the other hand only enhances involuntary attention.    

2)   What studies have been conducted that demonstrate how urban forests decrease asthma exacerbations?

A group of researchers at Portland State University conducted a study to demonstrate how the urban forest decreases the effects of asthma and other respiratory diseases. The study placed 144 sensors in different areas across Portland and measured nitrogen dioxide levels associated with various sources of air pollution including traffic. The study found that because of the tree canopy’s present throughout Portland:

• Children ages 4-12 avoided missing 7380 days of school from asthma-related exacerbations

• Individuals of all ages avoided 54 asthma-related emergency room visits

• Individuals >65 years of age had 46 fewer hospital stays due to respiratory illness

• In total $6.6million were saved due to the health benefits of urban forests

The study concluded that the amount of tree coverage had a direct impact in removing nitrogen dioxide levels from the air, which in turn lead to fewer asthma and respiratory-related illnesses in these areas.

3)   What evidence exists that demonstrate how forest bathing therapy specifically benefits human health and well-being?

Dr. Qing Li a senior assistant professor at Nippon Medical School in Tokyo conducted many studies examining the effects of forest bathing on mood, stress levels and the immune system.

One study in particular used the Profile of Mood State (POMS) test to measure the association between forest bathing and physical and mental health. The investigation demonstrated that forest bathing trips increased scores for physical strength/health and decreased the scores for anxiety, depression and anger. Dr. Li’s research concluded that the risk of psychosocial stress-related illnesses may be decreased by engaging in habitual forest bathing.

Other studies measured natural killer (NK) cell levels in association with forest bathing, to determine its effects on immune function. NK cells are elements of the immune system that combat cancer cells. In these studies groups of men and women had their blood drawn before and after being sent to two-night/three day forest bathing trips, which included forest walks and staying in hotels within the forest. Lab results of these study subjects demonstrated increases in NK cell activity for 30 days after returning from their forest bathing trips. Additional analysis demonstrated an increase in NK cell activity for up to 7 days after returning from a day long trip of forest bathing. A potential explanation for the increase in NK activity observed by Dr. Li was in part due to inhaling air consisting of phytoncide (wood essential oils) such as α-pinene and limonene. These are antimicrobial volatile organic compounds produced by trees in order to prevent rotting and to provide protection against insects.            

Sources

1)    AlterSpark, Http://www.alterspark.com Website Design by. "The Urban Forest." Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2016.(http://www.yourleaf.org/urban-forest)

2)    "Climate Science Glossary." Skeptical Science. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2016. (https://www.skepticalscience.com/urban-heat-island-effect.htm)

3)    Intern, By Conrad Kabbaz Policy. "How Urban Forests Can Help Mitigate ADHD Symptoms - American Forests." American Forests. N.p., 11 Aug. 2015. Web. 23 Oct. 2016. (https://www.americanforests.org/how-urban-forests-can-help-mitigate-adhd-symptoms/)

4)    Parallelus. "Not a Member Yet? Register Now and Get Started." HPHP Central Forest Bathing Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2016. (http://www.hphpcentral.com/article/forest-bathing)

5)   "Trees Help Prevent Asthma, Respiratory Diseases, Study Says." Trees Help Prevent Asthma, Respiratory Diseases, Study Says. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2016.

             (http://phys.org/news/2014-09-trees-asthma-respiratory-diseases.html)

6)    "Urban Forest." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2016. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_forest)

Toxins In Scented Products

TOXINS IN SCENTED PRODUCTS Speaker: Kerri Brock from Splash Concepts Written by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain

            Scents, whether from the fragrance of one’s perfume or the aroma of a burning scented candle, can create strong emotional connections for people. Where the scent of an ocean breeze candle can take an individual back to a family vacation at the beach or a mountain scented glade plug-in can bring someone back to the first time they climbed the Himalayan Mountains. Scents can be a great marketing tool for production companies; however, 95% of these aromas are synthetic and contain chemical toxins that are detrimental to our health. Some chemical toxins in particular are the nitro polycyclic musks. Polycyclic musk’s are known as “endocrine disrupters” which along with other toxins can enter our bodies through inhalation, ingestion and dermal inhalation, which is absorbed through our skin. These endocrine disruptors have adverse effects on the pituitary gland, thyroid, ovaries and testes. Some of their effects include low fertility, late puberty or early menopause. Women are exposed to approximately 12 products per day which can be as many as 150-160 chemicals per day.   

            Although many are aware of how detrimental these products can be to their health, scented products and the toxins that they emit is still a complicated concept. This is due to 3 layers: The corporate layer, the government layer and the human behaviour layer.

The Corporate layer: is focused around the fact that $7 billion are made on scented products.

The Government layer: relates to the way products are tested and labelled. Scented products contain approximately 13,000 chemicals, many of which are largely petroleum based. Of these chemicals only 10% are tested. These chemicals are tested in isolation of one another rather than collectively. Therefore the synergistic effects of multiple chemicals that are usually present in one product are not tested together. Regardless of what is tested, many times these chemicals are not included in the ingredient list of product labels.

The Human Behaviour Layer: is centered on why we continue to conduct ourselves in a particular manner regardless of the knowledge we possess e.g. why we still buy scented products knowing their adverse effects.

• Some reasons why humans may still gravitate towards scented products, is possibly due to being unaware of safer alternatives, due to habit, or for convenience. Many people may not realize the harmful effects of these products at the time of use as they may not have concrete evidence in front of them at all times.

• Another theory that exists is the Choice/Utility Maximization, which is where people make their choices based on how useful products are to them.

• Three approaches as to how humans make decisions include: Economic, Cognitive and Social Psychological.

  • Economic choice refers to how we spend our money.

  • Cognitive choice is focused around giving individuals access to the information so that they can gain knowledge and make their decisions accordingly.

  • Social Psychological choice is centered on how one’s purchase connects them with others. Many studies have also been conducted around the effects of “over choice.” It has been found that even with more choices individuals are more prone to go towards either polar spectrum. Regardless of having infinite amount of choices people will still gravitate towards the product that is the cheapest, easiest and the fastest, thinking that since these products are available on store shelves that they must be safe.

  The scented products that people use is ultimately their decision based on their own personal reasoning. There is however some alternatives that have similar effects to scented products but are safer.  People can create “Do it yourself” cosmetics using products from the grocery aisle such as fruits, vegetables, oils and seeds. Individuals can use the safe cosmetic database to assess whether the products they currently using are non-toxic. Other alternatives include looking for clean certified products, giving our bodies permission to sweat and cleanse or even joining the effort to change the default by participating in chemical management plan conversations.  

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1)  What ingredients should we avoid when purchasing scented products? What are their effects?

Often times production companies include the term “fragrances” on ingredient labels. This refers to a group of chemicals that may be toxic to our health. These include:

Parabens - Hormone disruptors

 →Interfere with hormone production and release

- “estrogenic effects”

-  Breast Cancer

- Males: Infertility

- Contact Dermatitis in people with damaged skin

- Skin aging

Phthalates - Carcinogen - Liver/Kidney Damage             

- Asthma

- Obesity

- Type II Diabetes

- Neurodevelopmental Issues

 → Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder

 → Autism Spectrum Disorder

 → Behavioural Issues

 → Low IQ

-Reproductive Effects

 → Birth Defects

 → Decreased sperm counts

 → Early breast development in males & females

 → Male fertility issues

Synthetic Musk - Hormone disruptors

- Can accumulate in the environment, fat tissue,

  breast milk and in umbilical cord blood

- Breast Cancer

- Low fertility

- Late Puberty

- Early Menopause

SOME OTHER CHEMICALS IN SCENTED PRODUCTS:

Propylene Glycol - Hyperosmolality

- Lactic Acidosis

- Intravascular Hemolysis

- Central Nervous System Depression

- Seizures

- Coma

- Hypoglycemia

- Renal Failure

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - Skin Irritant/ Skin corrosion

- Eye Irritant

- Eye deformities in Children

- Hormone imbalance

 → Menopausal symptoms

 → Males: low fertility (massive drop in sperm count & sperm motility), breast enlargement

 → Gender confusion in males or pregnant women

 → Breast Cancer

- Skin Cancer

Triclosan - Liver Problems

- Depression

- Cancer, Uncontrolled cell growth

- Abnormal Endocrine system/thyroid hormone signaling

- Weakening the immune system

- Children exposed to antibacterial products at an early age:

 → Increased chance of developing: allergies, asthma & eczema

- Developmental & Reproductive toxicity

2)  When burning candles what precautions can be taken to ensure that less toxic chemicals are being emitted into the air?

• Use beeswax or soy based candles instead of paraffin based candles which are a by-product of petroleum

• Using non-scented candles because they emit less soot and less particles into the air

• Using candles with wax that has a hard consistency, since soft gel wax is produced from petroleum oils which emit toxins.

• Avoid use of wicks that are thicker. Use wicks that are thin, braided and curl when lit.

• Using candles with a tapered shape (fatter base that gradually gets thinner as you get closer to the wick). Tapered candles are less likely to cause asthma or other lung conditions.

• If candles with multi-wicks are used ensure that the entire candle burns evenly.

• Burn candles in a well ventilated room.

• Avoid burning candles in a room with a draft, as a draft can emit up to 50% more soot.

3)  How to get rid of toxins already emitted into the air from previous use of scented cleaning products?

Many scented products contain artificial fragrances that give off a citrus or pine aroma. Limonene mimics the scent of citrus and alpha pinene produces a pine-like fragrance. It is not these chemicals themselves that are toxic to our health but rather it is the formaldehyde that is produced when these chemicals are emitted into the air that is harmful. Formaldehyde is harmful due to its carcinogenic, skin and breathing irritant effects, causing illnesses such as cancer and asthma.

            Studies have shown that the presence of various houseplants has the ability to naturally remove chemical toxins (i.e. formaldehyde) emitted into the air by scented products. Some of the common house plants that were used during the experiment were:

- Chlorophytum (spider plant)

- Dracaena (dragon tree)

-  Scindapsus (golden pothos)

- Hedera helix (English ivy)

SOURCES

1) "5 Adverse Effects Of Parabens That Cosmetic Industry Does NOT Want You To Know." 5 Adverse Effects Of Parabens That Cosmetic Industry Does NOT Wan. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2016. (http://www.dermatocare.com/blog/5-Adverse-Effects-Of-Parabens-That-Cosmetic-Industry-Does-NOT-Want-You-To-Know)

2) Ahsan, Saleyha. "Home, Sweet Home: How to Combat the 'indoor Pollution' of Scented Candles." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 18 Jan. 2016. Web. 21 Sept. 2016. (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jan/18/home-sweet-home-combat-indoor-pollution-scented-candles-cleaning-products)

3) By This SLS Standard Level of Irritation, It. "SLS Health Implications." SLS Health Implications. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2016. (http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/sls-health-implications.html#axzz4KxapjpNu)

4) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2016. (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=12&po=14)

5) "Dangers of Triclosan." Safe Dishware, Glass Food Storage, Natural Toys, Organic Baby. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2016. (http://mightynest.com/learn/research-by-concern/dangers-of-triclosan)

6)  Mercola. "Does Your Perfume Include Toxic Chemicals?" Mercola.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2016. (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/11/27/toxic-perfume-chemicals.aspx)

7)  "Natural Perfume vs. Synthetic Perfume." Chemicals and Toxic Ingredients in Perfumes. Synthetic Free Perfume. Pour Le Monde All Natural Perfumes. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2016. (http://www.pourlemondeparfums.com/naturalvssynthetic.html)

8)  Westervelt, Amy. "Chemical Enemy Number One: How Bad Are Phthalates Really?" The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 10 Feb. 2015. Web. 21 Sept. 2016. (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/10/phthalates-plastics-chemicals-research-analysis)

Balancing Exposure to Pesticides in Food

Speaker: Skye Vanderberg from TD Friends of the Environment FoundationWritten by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain

            Not only is food necessary to sustain life and provide nutrition but it also gives people a sense of comfort, security and sovereignty.  Food security can be described as all people regardless of socioeconomic status, having access to food to meet their dietary needs. It is the ability to access appropriate food. Food sovereignty refers to people’s rights to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through economically sound and sustainable methods and their right to define their own food and agricultural systems. Although food is culturally, traditionally, environmentally, and physically important to us all, we must adapt and alter our food choices to ensure that we reduce our pesticide and toxin intake.

            Unlike organic food, conventional foods are grown using pesticides and fertilizers. Although organically grown foods are more expensive, the pesticides sprayed on food are harmful to our health and to the environment. The “Clean 15” and the “Dirty Dozen” were lists that were established to provide information on safe and harmful foods based on their pesticide exposure. Specifically, the “Clean 15” includes crops with a hard outer shell, making it more difficult for pesticides to penetrate through their skin. Therefore the “Clean 15” provides a list of conventionally grown foods that are safe to purchase. The “Dirty Dozen” on the other hand provides a list of crops that are exposed to larger quantities of pesticides, making them more harmful to our health. The “Dirty Dozen” provides a list, in which it is important to choose foods that are grown organically instead of conventionally. These lists provide consumers with the information needed to make healthy dietary choices when purchasing food. 

CLEAN 15 DIRTY DOZEN 1)   Avocados 1)   Strawberries 2)   Sweet Corn 2)   Apples 3)   Pineapples 3)   Nectarines 4)   Cabbage 4)   Peaches 5)   Sweet Peas 5)   Celery 6)   Onions 6)   Grapes 7)   Asparagus 7)   Cherries 8)   Mangos 8)   Spinach 9)   Papayas 9)   Tomatoes 10) Kiwi 10) Sweet Bell Peppers 11) Eggplant 11) Cherry Tomatoes 12) Honeydew Melon 12) Cucumbers 13) Grapefruit 14) Cantaloupe NOTE: Green Beans & Kale are increasing in pesticide exposure 15) Cauliflower

            In addition to pesticide exposure many crops grown in North America are also genetically modified. Genetically modified crops grown on Canadian soil include: canola, corn, soy and sugar beet. Genetically modified foods that are imported from the United States consist of: papaya from Hawaii, milk products, yellow crookneck squash and cottonseed oil. Food items that do not contain any of these products or are labelled as “Non GMO” are not genetically modified.

            Many precautious can be taken to ensure increased food security and sovereignty. In addition to spending more money buying organically grown crops present on the dirty dozen list, you can also devote more time purchasing and preparing food. You can achieve this by turning food preparation into a hobby, date night or social event. Another tactic is to focus your funds on dietary staples. This can be done by going to inexpensive places to purchase dietary staples, stocking up during sales of non-perishables and freezing excess vegetables in order to maintain their nutritional content. Lastly gardening and growing your own foods, can create more optimal growth conditions to ensure ingestion of safer food products.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1)      WHAT ARE SOME HARMFUL HEALTH EFFECTS CAUSED BY PESTICIDE EXPOSURE IN FOODS?

Short-term impacts - Headaches

- Nausea

Acute dangers - Nerve irritation/damage

- Skin irritation/damage

- Eye irritation/damage  

- Headaches

- Dizziness

- Nausea

- Fatigue

- Systemic Poisoning: is occasionally fatal

Cancers - Leukemia

- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

- Brain Cancer

- Bone Cancer

- Breast Cancer

- Ovarian Cancer

- Prostate Cancer

- Testicular Cancer

- Liver Cancer

Endocrine disruption

(Some examples of endocrine disrupting chemicals in pesticides include:

DDT, Lindane, Atrazine, Carbaryl, Parathion)

- Reproductive harm

 → Infertility

- Harmful effects on embryonic development

 → Birth defects

 → Developmental defects in offspring

      (i.e. hormonal imbalance, incomplete sexual

      development,impaired brain development,

      behavioural disorders)

 → Growth issues in fetuses (i.e. low birth weight)

 → Fewer nerve cells in fetuses

Central Nervous System Effects - Memory loss

- Loss of coordination

- Reduced Visual ability

- Uncontrolled Mood

- Uncontrolled Behavioural issues

- 70% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Environmental Illness

(a medical condition in which the body is unable to tolerate relatively lower levels of chemical exposure)

- Dizziness

- Cardiovascular Problems

- Depression

- Muscle aches/pains

- Joint aches/pains

2)      WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES ON CHILDREN?

Compared to adults, children are particularly more susceptible to pesticide exposure. This is due to children having a greater skin surface area relative to their small body stature, making it easier for pesticides to penetrate through their skin.  Additionally children have the tendency to play outside in the dirt and put anything in their mouth, potentially causing direct contact with these chemicals. Children having increased exposure to pesticides along with having immature immune systems, make the impact of these toxins even greater.  

Since the human brain has not fully developed until the age of 12, pesticide exposure in children can cause negative effects on their central nervous system. Previous studies have shown that even lower concentrations of pesticides can impact a child’s brain chemistry, causing effects on behaviour, learning and attention. Pesticide exposure has been linked to the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. A study conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in February 2009 showed the development of brain cancer in children living in homes where pesticides are used.

3)      WHAT ARE SOME ALTERNATIVE METHODS DONE TO AVOID PESTICIDE USE?

Some alternatives methods to avoid the use of pesticides are:

Integrated Pest Management - Growing pest-resistant crops

- Killing plant-eating pests using predatory insects

- Using mechanical pest traps

- Plowing underneath harvested crops in order to  eliminate pest   

 nesting areas

- Pesticides are only used as a last resort

Crop Rotation & Other Growing Techniques - Crop Rotation: planting crops in different locations every season

  → This allows the replenishing of soil that previously had their

       nutrients removed by plants

- Intercropping: planting crops in close proximities

These techniques prevent the infestation of pests and insects by:

- Allowing soil to replenish themselves, naturally

- Breaking pest cycles

- Reducing the growth of weeds

- Allowing for plant diversity

F

SOURCES:

1)  Chai, Carmen. "The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen: 2016's List of Fruits, Vegetables with the Most Pesticides." Global News The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen 2016s List of Fruits Vegetables with the Most Pesticides. N.p., 19 Apr. 2016. Web. 24 Sept. 2016. (http://globalnews.ca/news/2645396/the-dirty-dozen-and-clean-fifteen-2016s-list-of-fruits-vegetables-with-the-most-pesticides/)

2)  Foundation, GRACE Communications. "Pesticides." GRACE Communications Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2016. (http://www.sustainabletable.org/263/pesticides)

3)  "Organophosphates." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2016. (https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/srp/research/research4_s3_s5.cfm)

4)  "Protecting Your Health from Pesticides." David Suzuki Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2016. (http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/pesticides/protecting-your-health-from-pesticides/)

5)  Thammishetti, Srikar. "Neurotoxins, Poisons, and Pesticides." Prezi.com. N.p., 01 Dec. 2014. Web. 25 Sept. 2016. (https://prezi.com/hpg6xbbi-3_0/neurotoxins-poisons-and-pesticides/)

6) "The Problem with Pesticides." Communities In Action. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2016. (http://www.toxicsaction.org/problems-and-solutions/pesticides)

Managing Toxic Thoughts

Speaker: Vincent Schutt from Environmentum (A Project of Tides Canada)Written by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain            

Using the acronym F.E.A.R, Vincent Schutt has created a strategic method on how to approach and manage “toxic thoughts.” He suggests that first, we as individuals need to locate the source behind the toxic thought, in order to eventually resolve or reconcile with that initial thought.  The following depicts the necessary steps required to adequately manage toxic thoughts.

1)  Frame:  Locate your toxic thought

    → This can be done by classifying the source of the thought as:

• The individual themselves

• Their Family

• Their Community

• Their City

• Their Province

• Their Country

• Their Global Society

2)  Evaluate the thought: Narrow in on the type of problem, in order to gain perspective on what steps

   can be taken to improve the “toxic thought”. This will prevent the “toxic thought” from, weighing the

   individual down.

    → Create a spectrum that increases progressively from least to most beneficial ways to   

          improve the toxic thought.     

3)      Assess/Appreciate: Locate where you are on the spectrum

4)      Reconcile: Determine whether you have the capacity in your life to do something about the toxic

       thought.

• Maybe you will realize that you cannot actually move forward with resolving this toxic thought

• Maybe you will not be able to approach this problem right away because you have spectrums in other areas that need to be addressed first

• Managing your toxic thoughts using these steps can give you a better perspective on where you are in terms of managing the problem, what future steps you can take, and what limitations you may have. Thus allowing you to put the thought to rest once and for all.     

Using the above steps, Mr. Schutt demonstrated how you can manage toxic thoughts regarding the elimination of waste products for example.

1)      Frame: Waste management is a problem located in the city in which you live

FRAMES EVALUATE Global Society Country Province City 0-High consumption

1- Not Separating waste products at all

2- Make some mistakes sorting waste products

3- Compost & Recycle

4- Reuse

5 - Reduce

Community Family Me

2)      Evaluate: See spectrum above

3)      Assess/Appreciate: Using his example, Mr. Schutt classified himself as being between

      Steps 3 & 4, in terms of how he handles waste in his everyday life.

4)      Reconcile: This activity puts into perspective: where the problem lies, a spectrum of how people may

      handle this problem, where you classify yourself in terms of improving this problem, what further

      actions you can take and what limitations you may have when it comes to this problem. This will

      essentially allow you to come to terms with the “toxic thought: so that it does not weigh you down.