Regulatory and Nonregulatory Strategies for Improving Children's Environmental Health in Canada

Abstract

Epidemiological and toxicological studies established positive associations between environmental hazards and adverse child health outcomes, including cancer, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, developmental effects, low birth weight, and birth defects. The economic and societal costs associated with children's environmental health disorders were estimated to be substantial. The existence of knowledge gaps, lack of capacity, and the jurisdictional overlap of children's environmental health issues are some of the barriers that impede effective policy decision making. To improve children's environmental health and reduce economic and societal costs, current legislative frameworks could implement a series of amendments. The main federal, provincial, and municipal legislation used to protect children in Canada, either explicitly or implicitly, is reviewed. Recommendations for improving the existing framework for protecting and strengthening children's environmental health are proposed.

Examining inequities in children’s environmental health: results of a survey on the risk perceptions and protective actions of new mothers

“…In addition to being exposed vicariously to contaminants in-utero, children consume more food, water and air than adults relative to body weight; breathe more quickly at a lower height than adults, where more dust and contaminants are found; and ingest more contaminants by engaging in hand-to-mouth exploration and consuming more of the same food sources from a less varied diet. Children are more vulnerable to environmental exposures due to the immaturity of their respiratory, digestive and immune systems (CPCHE 2005;Le Cann et al 2011;Schlotz and Phillips 2009;Tyshenko et al 2007). Although all children are vulnerable to environmental hazards, some face greater exposures than others.…”

“…However, risks are not distributed evenly across society; some social groups may face higher exposures while being less able to avoid risks (Cooper 2008). Although infant mortality has been significantly reduced in Canada, the rates of numerous chronic diseases in children are increasing and environmental exposures are reported to be a significant contributing factor (Nieuwenhuijsen et al 2013;Schlotz and Phillips 2009;Stillerman et al 2008;Tyshenko et al 2007). Children are more exposed and more vulnerable to acute and chronic health conditions than adults due to a wide range of physiological and behavioural factors (CPCHE 2005;Knaak 2010;Kukla 2010).…”

Multi-jurisdictional expert opinion for improving children's environmental health protection

“…Children's environmental health risks are viewed with high levels of concern by the public (Tyshenko et al 2007). Children's environmental health experts, regardless of jurisdiction, were in agreement that areas of scientific uncertainty existed and that little information on levels of population exposure and potential health effects exist, either individually or synergistically, for many environmental chemical hazards.…”

“…In Canada, explicit references to children's environmental health in Federal legislation and regulations are rare (Tyshenko et al 2007). Population health and environmental protection in Canada is a shared responsibility between Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments.…”

“…Provinces and Territories have various laws and programs for regulating industrial emissions to air and water, or to control transport and disposal of wastes. Provincial health and environmental protection policies are generally designed to protect all members of the population, including children and other sensitive groups (Tyshenko et al 2007).…”