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The report, “Earth: Because everybody needs a home‘‘, was a Children‘s Charter Coalition project. “(In the report) we talk about why children are at risk, the different contaminants that are in the environment that we should be concerned about, and the different things that we can do to reduce those risks in the home, in the yard and in the garage,” said Laura Prodanyk, a public health nurse with the health unit and chairwoman of the Thunder Bay Children‘s Charter Coalition. The report suggests eliminating vinyl and plastic toys, as well as air fresheners, scented candles, vinyl shower curtains and table cloths, and plastic bowls. These moves, the report suggests, will reduce the chance of children being exposed to lead, biphenyl A and other chemicals that have been deemed health hazards. Beth Anne Currie, a consultant with the Canadian Partnership for Children‘s Health and Environment in Toronto, came to Thunder Bay for the report‘s release and said children‘s bodies are unable to detoxify chemicals the way adults can, and that from the time they are conceived until age 12 chemicals can seriously harm their growth. “They just don‘t have a mature lung system, brain system or reproductive system, so chemicals that come in have a far greater impact on their bodies,” Currie said. “People need a reminder that kids aren‘t just small adults. They‘re not as competent as adults are at ridding their bodies of these chemicals.” She said it is important for reports like the health unit‘s to be released to raise awareness about where chemicals come from and how they make their way into the body. “These chemicals get into their bodies through food, air and hand-to-mouth activities,” Currie said. She said respiratory diseases like asthma are on the rise, and are caused by chemicals in indoor and outdoor air. Neurodevelopmental diseases are also on the rise, she said. “Why do we have so much ADHD, conduct disorder, autism and asperger spectrum disorder – why is that all of a sudden? These chemicals are neurotoxic. Maybe not for everybody . . . but certain kids who are exposed to a certain amount of chemicals are going to experience neurodevelopmental disorders,” Currie said. Chemicals can also harm the reproductive system of a child. “We have this whole sort of sexual ripening happening way too soon which puts them at risk for complications with uterine disorders and complications when they get pregnant,” said Currie. “These chemicals are mimicking hormones in their bodies.” As a child grows, she said, exposure to toxic chemicals becomes more apparent so it is hard to pinpoint which chemical causes what. “You are not just born with something,‘‘ she said. “The effects happen as the child grows up . . . the data is emerging and it is complex, but there is enough evidence now that we should take precautions, reduce the risks and hopefully have healthy kids as a result of it,” said Currie. Each year the Children‘s Charter Coalition releases a report highlighting one of the 10 rights in the charter. The charter was adopted by the City of Thunder Bay in 2004. For the list of rights or to read “Earth: Because everybody needs a home‘‘, go to the Thunder Bay District Health Unit website. The health unit will be handing out prizes to parents who make simple changes to reduce toxic chemicals in their homes. Details are available on the website. Top of Page |
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September 2, 2010, 8:22 am |