Children s s Environmental Health: Plastics and Phthalates and Flame Retardants Oh My!

Transcription

1 Children s s Environmental Health: Plastics and Phthalates and Flame Retardants Oh My! SMDHU Child Care Workshop - May 5, 2011

2 Presentation Overview What is Environmental Health? Overview Why Children s s Environmental Health? Environmental Toxins and Contaminants Routes of Exposure Indoor Environments Outdoor Environments Consumer Products Plastics Personal Care Products Flame Retardants Toys & Jewellery What can you do to decrease the risk? Where can I find more information? Questions!

3 What is Environmental Health? Environmental Health Focuses on the physical, chemical and biological factors external to a person that can impact individual health Physical, social and behavioural influences Includes many things: Rabies Bisphenol A Food Source, Safety Water Drinking and Recreational Air Quality Indoor and Outdoor Weather Extreme Heat and Cold Insects and Animals West Nile Virus, Contaminants and Toxins Lead, Radon,

4 Why Children s s Environmental Health? Children are more susceptible to environmental health risks compared to adults: Differences in physiology, behaviour; Windows of higher vulnerability during stages of development. Children are constantly growing and developing. Children learn and play in a variety of environments indoors and outdoors Providing a safe and healthy environment should not just focus on the elimination of chemicals. Do not forget about the risks and hazards associated with the natural environment that put children at risk!

5 Children s Environmental Health

6 Environmental Toxins and Contaminants Routes of Exposure Source:

7 Environmental Toxins and Contaminants Indoor Environments Radon Adapted from:

8 Environmental Toxins and Contaminants Biological Mites, allergens, moulds, bacteria Chemical Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Pesticides, chemicals, fumes, household cleaners, deodorizers Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide Day to day Activities Cooking, cleaning activities Renovations Humidity Dampness, dryness Physical Radon Indoor Environments

9 Environmental Toxins and Contaminants Outdoor Environments Smog Idling Vehicles Industrial Emissions Dust Air is a significant media for environmental exposure to contaminants 1 Air transports contaminants quickly and efficiently. Children are mouth breathers! Children with respiratory issues are at greater risk. Children breathe at higher rates and inhale greater amounts of contaminants per body weight. Some contaminants can be come airborne (i.e. lead, VOCs, phthalates) and can affect the body. Try to avoid outdoor activities when air quality is poor!

10 Environmental Toxins and Contaminants Biological Outdoor Environments Physical Chemical Drinking water must be potable! Recreational water Bathing and swimming - considerations if the water is contaminated Recreational Water Illnesses Cryptosporidiosis, Giardiasis, general enteric-like illnesses Run off pesticides, storm water outfalls can contaminate recreational and drinking water Food implications: contaminated seafood Mercury, PCBs, lead

11 Environmental Toxins and Contaminants Outdoor Environments Biological Chemical Physical Can become airborne and be inhaled. Contaminants can attach themselves to dust particles. Soil can act as a reservoir for contaminants. Children can ingest dust and dirt during activities and play.

12 Consumer Products Plastics Number system can help you decide which plastics are better to use Plastics with numbers #1, #2, #4, #5 are better choices when #3, #6, #7 should be avoided when BPA possible Found in #7, however if #7 is labelled PLA these do not contain BPA Used to make hard clear plastic known as polycarbonate Found in the protective lining of metal-based food and beverage cans Does not occur naturally Can be found in air, water, soil, dust not just plastics Endocrine disruptor

13 Phthalates Consumer Products Plastics Found in range of consumer products: Plastics, pesticides, paint, some personal care products Fragranced products No immediate health risk, more concerned with long term effects Low levels might be of concern for children Some phthalates can affect children s behaviour and development Endocrine disruptor Damaging effects to developing reproductive systems males particularly

14 Phthalates Soft Vinyl Products Consumer Products Plastics PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Types of Phthalates: DEHP DBP BBP Health Canada interventions Decreases in concentration in soft vinyl of all children s s toys and care products DINP DIDP DNOP Decreases in concentration in soft vinyl of children s toys and care products where the vinyl can be placed in the mouths of children under 4yrs

15 Consumer Products Plastics

16 Consumer Products Products for the body, skin and hair Can contain a variety of chemicals Low levels of VOCs Personal Care Products Limited research regarding the level of negative health effects associated with personal care products Some ingredients may cause: Skin irritation, respiratory issues (asthma), disrupt hormones Various chemical sensitivities Primary exposure to chemicals thru absorption and inhalation

17 Consumer Products Personal Care Products Fragrances: Can contain several chemicals DEP, acetone, benzyl acetate, ethanol Phthalates are used to help the scent penetrate the skin Hormonal effects, allergies, asthma, irritants Perfumes, lotions Solvents: Chemicals similar to above Strong smell Included in products to cut grease or increase absorption Skin, eye, nose and throat irritation, inhalation risks, headaches Hairspray, nail polish and remover, degreasing lotions

18 Consumer Products Flame Retardants PBDE (Polybrominated diphenylethers): Ubiquitous and persistent in the environment, global environmental pollutant air, soil, dust, food Most likely source Indoor Air, dust, food (higher fat foods of animal origin) Man-made chemicals added to a variety of consumer products: Some plastics i.e.. electronics Electronic equipment TVs, stereos, computers Upholstered furniture Non-clothing textiles carpeting, curtains Foam products Limited evidence of health effects in humans PBDEs have been found in breast milk Children exposed same way as adults Can build up in organisms

19 Jewellery Consumer Products Toys & Jewellery Costume jewellery is great for dress-up and fun must be cautious as some items may contain lead. No exposure risk when wearing jewellery. Risk of exposure to metals occur when children chew or suck on pieces of jewellery. Toys The source of lead in toys is usually the paint and or metal parts. Lead Risk Children are extremely vulnerable to lead exposure due to their growing bodies. Children at higher risk of exposure due to their behaviour. Neurological risks, behavioral problems. Acute or chronic exposures can lead to differing health effects.

20 What can you do to decrease the risk? Indoor Environments Increase ventilation: During renovations, cleaning activities Arts and Crafts Consider damp mopping when cleaning. Consider a fragrance-free free policy. Ensure damp environments are eliminated and mould issues are addressed promptly. Outdoor Environments Reduce vehicle idling! Consider a vehicle idling policy Become aware of activities around you businesses, industry etc. Choose outdoor activities wisely! Refer to Environment Canada, local weather for extreme weather updates and for air quality statements.

21 What can you do to decrease the risk? Consumer Products Plastics Choose glass, ceramic or stainless steel instead of plastic for serving or reheating food. Limit or refrain from using plastic wrap when reheating/cooking food in the microwave Choose toys or other children s s items that are BPA and phthalate free. Only reuse plastics that are intended for reuse. Personal Care Products Reduce the use of scented lotions, creams, powders. Fragrance-free is the best choice! Reduce the use of antimicrobial soaps and lotions. Refer to Health Canada s s product recall list regularly.

22 What can you do to decrease the risk? Flame Retardants Limit consumption of fatty foods Veggies, fruits and whole grains contain lower amounts of PBDEs compared to meat, dairy and fish Cleaning regularly will help remove PBDEs that may have accumulated in dust Repair/replace exposed carpet padding or foam from upholstered chairs Ventilate spaces regularly indoors Be aware of outdoor areas (hazardous waste/disposal sites) Do not allow children to eat dirt. Wash hands regularly

23 What can you do to reduce the risk? Toys and Jewellery When possible, avoid purchasing toys and jewellery from vending machines. Avoid items that are small and can be swallowed easily. If you are concerned about a toy, remove it from use! Refrain from using old, second hand toys and jewellery when possible. Avoid items where the manufacturer is unknown. Refer to Health Canada s s Consumer Product Safety Branch if you have concerns about a particular item. Be vigilant!

24 Always remember! Washing hands and removing outdoor footwear following any play or outdoor activity will help reduce a child s exposure to potential contaminants!

25 Where can I find more information? Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit Your Health Connection Speak to your public health inspector Health Canada Health Environments and Consumer Safety Branch sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/branch-dirgen/hecs- dgsesc/index-eng.php eng.php Consumer Products Safety sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/index-eng.phpeng.php Portal Ministry of the Environment Air Quality and Smog Alerts

26 Where can I find more information? Environment Canada Weather Alerts and Warnings Canadian Partnership for Children s s Health & Environment Fact Sheets Canadian Institute of Child Health Safe Environments Environmental Hazards: Protecting Children (Fact Sheets)

27 Lori Collins, Public Health Inspector Health Hazards Team Health Protection Service Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit