RESOLUTION: Let's be Pesticide-free

The Premier and the Minister of the Environment are to be congratulated for heeding the call of health and environmental organizations. Pesticides are poisonous and children right across the province will be better protected thanks to this announcement.- from the Registered Nurses of Ontario media release, March 4, 2009

Provincial Action!

The Province of Ontario released a pesticide ban on over 250 chemicals. The ban is in effect as of April 22, 2009 (Earth Day) and takes the place of existing municipal pesticide bylaws, establishing one clear set of easy-to-understand rules, and providing certainty for businesses operating in different areas of the province. To learn more about the government's ban, click here.

Earlier this year, WHEN joined hundreds of others and provided comments in support of a provincial pesticide ban, and helped make it a reality.

Cosmetic Pesticides Are Unsafe

Cosmetic pesticides – those chemicals used to control pests in outdoor spaces like lawns and gardens – are unsafe and unnecessary for the maintenance of green and healthy greenspace.

• Acute effects of pesticide exposure range from irritation of the nose, eyes and throat, burning, itches and rashes to nausea, vomiting, headaches and general malaise;[i]

• Scientific studies reveal links between pesticide exposure and higher risk of leukemia[ii], non-Hodgkin's lymphoma[iii], soft tissue sarcomas[iv] and prostate cancer;[v]

• Children are particularly susceptible to harm from pesticides, both in utero and during childhood. Pesticides may cause birth defects[vi], developmental delays[vii], hyperactivity[vii], behavioural disorders[vii], motor dysfunction[vii], nervous system disruption[viii] and immunotoxicity.[ix]

• Studies have found cosmetic pesticides to contaminate urban watersheds – the source of drinking water and key to ecological sustainability – throughout the Great Lakes basin.[x]

Pesticide Exposure is Currently Unavoidable

We are exposed to pesticides in virtually all aspects of our lives. Canada's regulatory framework allows for the continued development and use of cosmetic pesticides while depriving us of the right to live protected from these exposures. The pesticide industry publicly promises continued use of chemicals for the maintenance of lawns and gardens.

Cosmetic Pesticides Are Unnecessary

Healthy, disease-resistant lawns and gardens are possible through chemical-free horticultural methods. A growing sector of pesticide-free lawn care and landscaping companies provides opportunities for workers and industries interested in phasing-out chemicals.[xi]

Resolved that,

Given the above, the Women's Healthy Environments Network (WHEN)

1. Supports the adoption of municipal pesticide bylaws, and opposes the exclusive adoption of voluntary initiatives advocated by the pesticide industry.

2. Seeks municipal bylaws that would include public education programs and phased-in prohibitions of cosmetic pesticides on private property.

3. Works to educate and encourage our members, citizens and locally-elected officials to support precautionary bylaws in their communities.

Women's Healthy Environments Network (WHEN), August 2002

References:

[i] Reigert,J.R. and J.R.Roberts. 1999. Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings, Fifth Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Briggs, S.A. 1992.Basic Guide to Pesticides: Their Characteristics and Hazards

[ii] Leiss, J., Savitz D. 1995. Home pesticide use and childhood cancer; a case control study. Am J Public Health 85:249-52 and Daniels O., Savitz D. Pesticides and childhood cancers. Environ Health Perspect 105(10).

[iii] Cox C. 1995. Dicamba. J Pesticide Reform 14(1). and Morrison, HI et al. 1992. Herbicides and cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst: 84 (24) 1866-8.

[iv] Dick J. et al. 1997. Pesticides and cancer. Cancer Causes and Control 8:420-43. and Smith, JG and Christophers, AJ. 1992. Penoxy herbicides and chlorophenols: a case control study on soft tissue sarcoma and malignant lymphoma. Br J Cancer 65 (3): 442-48.

[v] Van Der Gulden et al. 1996. Farmers at risk for prostate cancer. Br J Urology 77 (1): 6-14.

[vi] Brender, JD, Suarez, L. 1990 Paternal occupation and encephaly. Am J Epidemiol. 11:517-21. and Sever LE et al. 1997. Reproductive and developmental effects of occupational pesticide exposure: the epidemiological evidence. Occupational Medicine; State of the Art Reviews. 12 (2): 303-25.

[vii] Guilette, EA et al. 1998. An anthropological approach to the evaluation of preschool children exposed to pesticides in Mexico. Environ Health Perspect. 106: 347-53.

[viii] Ecobichon D. 1994. Organophosphorus ester insecticides. In: Pesticides and Neurological Diseases (Ecobichon DJ, Joy RM, eds). CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL; pp 71-250.

[ix]Voccia,I et al. 1999. Immunotoxicity and pesticides: a review. Toxicol Ind Hlth. 15: 119-32.

[x] Struger, J et al. 1998. Pesticide Concentrations in Urban Aquatic Environments (unpublished) and Struger, J et al. 1994 “Chapter 6: Environmental Concentrations of Urban Pesticides” in Current Practices in Modeling the Management of Stormwater Impacts. CRC Press. Boca Raton, FL. pp 85-98.

[xi] See the Organic Landscape Alliance (www.organiclandcare.org)

The Partnership for Pesticide Bylaws consisted of the Ontario College of Family Physicians, the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, the Humane Society of Canada, the Association of Early Childhood Educators, Ontario, the United Steel Workers of America, the Canadian Environmental Law Association, Great Lakes United, the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition, the International Institute of Concern for Public Health, Pesticide Free Ontario, Toronto Environmental Alliance, Women's Healthy Environments Network, Environmental Defence Canada and the Toronto and York Region Labour Council.

DEPUTATION: WHEN's Position on City of Toronto Environmental Services.

In July, 2011 the City of Toronto began consideration of a consultant's report that identified several "opportunities" for budget reductions. On the list was the elimination of the Toronto Environment Office, the City equivalent of a Ministry of the Environment. This put at risk environmental programming such as Community Environment Days, waste diversion programs, urban agricultural programs, tree planting and the Live Green program among others.Women's Healthy Environments Network (WHEN) added its voice to the chorus defending these programs. Here is what we said:

WHEN's Deputation to the City of Toronto on July 18, 2011

Since its inception in 1994, Women's Healthy Environments Network (WHEN) has been educating the general public, media and policy makers to the fact that environmental health is a key determinant of public health.

Our vision is a future where every person lives free of exposure to environmental health risks.

WHEN actively promotes the primary prevention of environmentally linked health conditions such as cancer, asthma, immune system related conditions and others by advocating the reduction of toxic emissions into our air and water; more efficient, renewable energy sources; affordable public transportation; biological agriculture and lawn care; safe disposal of hazardous materials and more. We strive to raise awareness of the environmental health risks that must be addressed for sustainable and healthy societies and communities.

WHEN was moved to action by the fact that each year millions of Canadians and their families are affected by cancer (carcinogens), reproduction issues (endocrine disruptors), and childhood neurological disorders (lead, mercury). Using the precautionary principle, we illustrate to people that the best way to prevent health risks is to avoid using these products, reduce our air emissions, and provide safe disposal of hazardous goods to ensure that they do not end up in the water stream, affecting us all.

While WHEN focuses on the primary prevention of women's reproductive health problems, it also addresses other environmentally linked health issues. Recognizing that growing numbers of people are calling for clean and safe air, food, water and soil, WHEN routinely organizes and participates on many different levels in a variety of activities: informational workshops, do-it-yourself sessions, film screenings, public discussions, conferences and displays at eco-friendly events in various venues such as communities, schools, universities, and workplaces.

WHEN builds networks with others at local, national and international levels to engage and educate about the links between the environment and our health.

Why the City’s Environmental Programs Matter:

As a small organization with a broad mandate and a limited budget, we can sympathize with the city’s struggles to be financially stable. But we fundamentally disagree with the removal of the environmental programming from the City’s mandate as a means of reaching its financial goals. Removing these services will increase the financial risk of future city administrations by removing opportunities and incentives for waste reduction and safe disposal. We respectfully urge the members of this committee not to react to the current financial situation, which has built up over years, with more short-sightedness.

Environmental programming is inclusive and contagious:

Dozens of organizations are working every day at the community level with small groups of individuals to affect change. For example, as part of WHEN’s work, we deliver workshops to newcomer women and families focused on health issues and how they are influenced by our environment. These workshops help participants identify and problem-solve the issue of household and public exposure to cancer-causing agents in both a local and diversified environment.

Since May 2010, WHEN has hosted these seminars in Toronto and Mississauga, reaching over 100 women and families from diverse regions such as South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Given that life in Canada is primarily spent indoors, the sessions emphasize “healthy homes”, featuring demonstrations, interactive discussions, and questions and answers about environmental exposures affecting health. We have focused on topics such as home gardening and pest control, indoor air quality, cleaning and personal care products, and waste reduction and recycling.

As you all know, Toronto is a city of immigrants. At WHEN we have found tremendous interest among newcomers to the environmental information we are providing. People coming to Toronto from around the world are attracted to the benefits this City and country can offer them and their family, and the quality of life they seek includes environmental sustainability and good health. Newcomers are focused on basic necessities –housing, employment when they arrive. As they get to know the City they are becoming part of, they begin to understand the values and culture of the place. City government can be a major positive driver in that regard.

Environmental programming works for the long term:

As a city, a country, a planet, we have substantial work to do to reduce our ecological footprint, lower our energy consumption, reduce our waste generation and address climate change. These are overwhelming objectives, but ones that we don’t have the luxury of delaying another generation. In the last decade, Toronto has become known around the world for stepping up to these challenges. Our tree coverage targets and waste diverse targets are impressive, and more importantly they are beginning to demonstrate a difference! Removing these targets now, and the modest budget efforts to encourage these actions, would seriously harm the quality of life Torontians are striving for.

It is our experience that changes in behaviour require constant reinforcement, and in some cases a generation of effort, before they take hold. Think of recycling for basic materials – it is routine now to see low rise housing to put as much out in recycling bins as in garbage for weekly pick up, or to see people put their waste bottles and cups in the recycling slots instead of the garbage slots along downtown Toronto streets. But apartments and higher density housing developments do not have the same options for waste diversion (no composting and less successful recycling rates). Toronto’s work is far from done in this regard, and for the City to move away from environmental waste diversion programming would be extremely premature.

WHEN has also seen firsthand the importance of the Community Environment Days program. This year, we have participated at many of these events across Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods, and spoken with many of the people who attend. These are not environmental advocates. These are everyday residents of Toronto who recognize that we all need to do more. They are eager to talk about their contributions to the kind of environment they want to live in, and interested in information about what else they can do. These are people who have been saving paint cans, old batteries, computer screens and other materials for over a year, not knowing exactly why they are bad to dump into a landfill, but very conscious they are looking for alternatives. People of all ages, all walks of life, come to those events. These events don’t just attract crowds at downtown core locations, but across the City. If anything, these events should be more widely promoted, not cancelled! I would like to highlight a page from the Core Services Review Public Consultation, Appendix B to the City Manager’s Report on the Core-Service Review, which indicates that over 80% of respondents felt that environmental issues were an important public policy issue – which was rated higher than jobs and a healthy economy.

Participating in the community environment days has been a fantastic experience for our organization and other community organizations who attend the events. We attend them to speak with people about making safer consumer choices and encouraging safe disposal. We have been able to reach Torontonians who we would normally not have an opportunity to reach and have engaging discussions with people to help them advocate for themselves and their families and learn from them as well, so we can build as an organization. We are a small organization and do all of our own fundraising, like many other community organizations. Having this opportunity to work with the community environment days team has been a wonderful opportunity and provided us with infrastructure to grow our organization and reach a broader population. The events have a much larger impact that the core programming, by coalescing community groups, community leaders, and residents.

Our Plea:

We respectfully ask the members of this committee that in assessing the recommended cuts, you think about the diversity of this City, and the long term challenges we are facing as a City and a planet. The City of Toronto’s environmental programming is something to be very proud of. It supports the will of residents throughout the city, the health of our water and air, and community organizations by providing leadership and catalysis. It is an area of programming that can touch all Toronto residents. The environment is not a special interest category in the City’s budget. It is our future.

WTF Action Guide: Safer Personal Care Products for You and the Environment

The average North American woman uses 12 different personal care products (lotions, soaps, cosmetics) every day. Many of these include chemicals that have known or suspected health impacts. WHEN's WTF Action Guide gives you the facts on the chemicals to avoid, where to learn more about the products you do use today, and what the alternatives are. To download a copy of this pocket brochure, click here.

Although there is some government regulation, hundreds of chemicals are not regulated, and concerns arise from the cumulative impact of our daily and repeated exposure to these chemicals. Consumers and communities are now educating themselves to reduce their toxic exposures and putting pressure on governments and manufacturers to stop allowing unsafe chemicals in personal care products.

• Interested in finding out more about the dirty secrets companies don't tell you about the products you buy?

• Wonder what sexy alternatives exist?

• Concerned about safe disposal for what you've decided not to use anymore?

• Want to make your voice heard with government?

Learn more about wtf - wannabe toxic free!

Healthy Food Practices for You and the Earth

Food practices have a substantial impact on both our individual and collective health. Our food choices also have enormous environmental implications. How food is grown and processed, or the cookware and storage containers you use can impact your individual health. How far your food travels, the industrialized impact on agriculture practices, and what we do with the waste from food packaging impacts the environment we all share. In this Food Action Guide, WHEN provides you with some basic facts to start your own conversation. Make sustainable choices, and encourage others to Take Action for Prevention! To download a copy of this pocket brochure, click here.

Let's Clean Up the Air Around Our Kids' Schools!

WHEN encourages decision makers from government, the private sector, academe and the community to come up with the ways and means to improve neigbourhood air quality. In this Air Quality Action Guide, we focus on vehicular emissions and air quality issues around schools. To download a copy of this pocket brochure, click here.

WHEN also works on other fronts to address air quality issues, such as the demand for Community-Right-to-Know by-law at the City of Toronto level.

Clean air is a basic right of every individual. Many busy cities in the world are on the threshold of a major air pollution crisis. We all breathe over 11,000 Litres of air each day. Children breathe more air per kilogram of body weight. Children’s bodies are still growing and their lungs are still developing. They spend a large part of their day in and around schools. Children are more susceptible to the health effects of air pollution than are adults and seniors.

It has been identified that improper vehicle inspection, poor vehicle maintenance and high sulphur content in diesel fuel are big contributors to air pollution. We have a responsibility to restore healthy air quality for all to breathe. This needs to be done as soon as possible. WHEN urges a concerted effort from all those involved in the hopes the air around schools can be made cleaner.

In the main, the air around our city schools has criteria pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM 10) and gases (CO, CO2, SO2, NOx, O3 and Pb) which negatively affect our health. The biggest concern currently is particulate emission, especially from diesel engines. Many heavy and light diesel-driven vehicles pass schools. Schools buses are also diesel-driven.

The fine particles PM2.5 penetrate the human respiratory organs and damage the respiratory tract when inhaled. Particulate matter PM2.5 is small (2.5 microns or less in the aerodynamic matter) enough to remain suspended as solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. PM 2.5 is the main pollutant of concern emitted from diesel-fuelled vehicular exhaust.

Colourless or black smoke from diesel-driven vehicles is very harmful to our health. Colorless carbon monoxide (CO) gas is emitted from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and interferes with the delivery of oxygen to the brain. Long-term exposure to high levels of CO can cause headaches, drowsiness, loss of equilibrium, cardiovascular symptoms, and decrease of visual perception.

High levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) can cause lung function loss. Ozone (O3) is a colourless and odourless gas. It is a major component of smog. Prolonged exposure to O3 gas increases respiratory illness, asthma and irritates the eyes. Children who are active outdoors during summer when O3 levels are high are particularly at risk.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) concentrations, as measured by two components — NO (nitric oxide) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) during morning rush hour — are mainly the result of vehicular emissions. If inhaled, nitrogen oxides are very highly toxic. They can cause shortness of breath, chest pains, increase respiratory infections, and asthma. Long-term exposure can cause chronic lung disease. Diesel school buses are a source of exposure to school children.

Lead (Pb), which is another result of vehicular emissions (e.g large trucks), interferes with children’s brain development as well as their cardiovascular and reproductive systems .

Children with wheezing, physician-diagnosed asthma, ear/nose/throat infections, flu/serious cold, and lung conditions are most affected by vehicular emissions.

Vehicular emissions should be measured by mobile check post programs around schools.

Continuous air quality monitoring stations should be set up around schools in various locations in Toronto. A satellite/mobile air monitoring station may also monitor air quality. Moreover, the implementation of Vehicular Emissions Standards and Air Quality Standards are also very important. The Government of Ontario has the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the newly developed Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to inform the public. Billboards about AQHI should be posted in school areas to increase parents’ and children’s awareness.

Taking Action to Improve Air Quality

Based on research reviewed by WHEN on the extent and causes of air pollution in school areas, the following steps will very likely and quickly improve air quality around our schools:

• Enforce the City of Toronto’s anti-idling bylaw more aggressively around schools

• Monitor ambient air quality with continuous air monitoring stations near schools and release the information to increase public awareness

• Set up Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) billboards near schools to increase parents’ and children’s awareness

• Implement Air Quality Standards

• Introduce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) driven school buses

• Restrict operation of heavy duty diesel-vehicles near schools to night time only

• Organize a locally-driven “human school bus” system whereby parents get together to take turns walking a group of neighbourhood kids to school

• Test vehicular emissions regularly by a mobile check post program around schools

• Encourage regular vehicle inspections and proper maintenance of the vehicles as an important step to reduce air pollution

• Introduce low sulphur content fuel; promote a clean fuel in vehicles instead of gasoline

• Revise and implement Vehicular Emission Standards

• Consider limiting diesel-driven vehicles; increasing the use of CNG vehicles in the street will help protect children’s health around schools.