Introduction

Currently there are 350,000 different chemicals registered for commercial production and use worldwide. Some are safe but some may cause or increase the risk of cancer or other health problems. These chemicals are labeled toxic.

Everyone is exposed to varying levels of toxic chemicals and some chemicals build up and stay in our bodies. In addition, people’s exposures may be determined by social and economic factors such as income, living and work conditions, and the quality of food they have access to. Some people are more sensitive than others to the effects of toxic chemicals, but we have no way of determining who is or isn’t. It is important that everyone is equally protected as much as possible from exposure to toxic chemicals. This pamphlet will help you learn more about exposure to toxic chemicals, government regulations, and provides easy alternatives to help you avoid exposures.  

Exposures, high and low, to toxic chemicals that may increase the risk of cancer come from many sources such as:

  • Industrial facilities;
  • Waste disposal and recycling facilities;
  • Agricultural pesticides;
  • Car fumes;
  • Personal care products and cosmetics;
  • Furniture and computers containing brominated flame retardants;
  • Synthetic waterproof material;
  • Plastics such as vinyl, very hard and very soft plastics;
  • Pesticides on fruits and vegetables;
  • Pesticides in homes and gardens;
  • Non-stick cookware;
  • Chemical household cleaners;
  • Household dust.

How is Canada regulating toxic pollution?

  • Chemicals that are considered toxic and polluting to the environment are regulated under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999).

  • The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health jointly assess and manage the risks associated with new and existing substances.

  • The Minister of the Environment is accountable to Parliament for the administration of CEPA.

People living with low incomes may be more vulnerable to exposure to toxic chemicals.

Consider that:

Older buildings:

  • Are often located near sources of pollution such as highways, industrial and waste disposal facilities and landfills;

  • Are more likely to contain lead in the pipes and asbestos in the walls.

Older furnishings:

  • Such as carpets may contain more lead, pesticides or other toxic chemicals than newer carpets.

Poor nutrition:

  • May predispose people to greater health risks that may come from toxic chemicals.

Remote and neglected neighbourhoods:

  • Such as First Nations reserves often lack proper water filtration systems. This may expose people to toxic chemicals that may increase the risk for cancer and other health problems.

CEPA and our social system fail to consider that people who are living with low incomes may be more exposed to toxic pollution and less able to relocate, renovate or repair a dwelling, replace old carpets or access nutritious foods than people who have more money. People who are most vulnerable to toxic chemicals should be considered first in the regulation of toxic chemicals.

Take action!

Avoid

Try This Instead

Plastics whenever possible

Glass or stainless steel

Microwaving food in plastic or putting hot foods in plastic containers

Glass or ceramic for hot foods

Non-stick cookware

Stainless steel or cast iron

All synthetic scents, including those in perfumes, cosmetics, air fresheners and candles

Unscented products

Dry-cleaning

Wet cleaning, a non-toxic alternative to dry-cleaning

Carpet and Vinyl flooring

Wood or ceramic tiles

Household cleaning products containing toxic chemicals

Non-toxic cleaners like baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice

Pesticides, herbicides and fungicide

Go pesticide free, if possible

Try to:

  • Participate in a pesticide-free community garden in your neighbourhood.

  • Take unused medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal – do not flush them down the toilet, dump them down the sink or discard them in the garbage.

  • Dispose of crumbling foam pillows and mattresses and replace them with those containing no brominated flame retardants – find out from the manufacturer.

  • Wash all your fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

  • Never mix different chemicals, for example do not mix two different floor cleaners together.

  • Talk to your friends and family about how they can reduce their exposures to toxic chemicals.