Toxic Nation | Pollution. It's In You.

When they’re fresh off the assembly line, new cars have a particular odor to them. Turns out, that ‘new car smell’ is not good for our health.

The Ecology Centre, based in Michigan, has tested cars and kids’ car seats for various toxic chemicals: bromine, chlorine, lead, arsenic, mercury…to name a few. Many of the chemicals tested are known or suspected to cause cancer, decrease fertility, damage development and impair learning.

Best picks for the least toxic cars include: Acura RDX SH-AWD System, Smart Pure Coupe, Chevy HHR LT, BMW MS and the Smart Passion Cabriolet.

Bugs and gardening. What would the summer be without them? They don’t always go hand-in-hand, but it’s hard to enjoy summer in Canada without a bit of both.

For most of us, bugs and gardening often mean we’re exposed to chemicals – sometimes unbeknownst to us.

Most insect repellants have strong chemicals to keep the bugs away. With West Nile a concern in many parts of Canada, avoiding mosquito bites is important for protecting our health – not just to avoid the annoyance of scratching.

A new study shows that many fragrances found in all kinds of products may release harmful chemicals.

Researcher Anne C. Steinemann, PhD, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and public affairs at the University of Washington, Seattle tested top-selling air fresheners and laundry supplies. She found about 100 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) being released from these products. Some of the chemicals can be cancerous or cause harm to respiratory, reproductive, neurological and other organ systems.

Are you interested in participating in an important new documentary for CBC television on the subject of endocrine disruptors (like Bisphenol A) in the everyday environment that interfere with our hormonal systems and disrupt the body’s normal functions.

For the film, the documentary filmmakers are focusing on how these chemicals seem to disproportionately affect boys and men. They are looking to speak with people or families struggling with the following issues:

Lululemon is the latest Canadian retailer to decide to clear its shelves of bottles that contain bisphenol A. The decision will take effect in January 2008.

We’ve passed the half way point in achieving our goal of 5,000 signatures for banning bisphenol A in food and beverage containers in Canada!

More good news on the toxic products front.

Sears and Kmart stores in the U.S. have agreed to phase out toxic PVC plastic in products and packaging. PVC plastic is commonly known as vinyl. It is associated with a range of adverse health effects. PVC is a major source of lead, phthalates and dioxin exposure.

Environmental Defence in encouraging Sears stores in Canada to follow the U.S. lead.

Mountain Equipment Co-op has stopped selling most products that contain bisphenol A.

The company said it decided to remove products from its shelves until the federal government completes its safety review of the chemical (expected to be done in spring 2008).

Bisphenol A is found in hard plastic reusable bottles (including baby bottles) and the linings of food cans.  Peer-reviewed scientific studies show bisphenol A is associated with adverse health effects.

A study released today by Washington-based Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Environmental Defence shows that a harmful chemical, bisphenol A, is used to line nearly all cans of infant formula.  Bisphenol A is a suspected hormone distributor and has been associated with adverse health effects. You can read more about bisphenol A in our fact sheet.