Blog Archives - Environmental Health Canada

Rural UK house exterior with a concrete septic tank inspection cover near greenery, photographed in soft overcast light to suggest septic odour concerns.

Septic Tank Odours Can Stop Your UK Property Sale (What MCS Sufferers Need to Know)

When selling a house with a septic tank or purchasing a property with one, individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity face a stark reality: UK regulations address environmental pollution but offer little direct protection from the hydrogen sulfide, methane, and volatile organic compounds that can make a home uninhabitable for chemically sensitive people. While the General Binding Rules require proper septic tank maintenance and the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 prohibit pollution, these laws focus on groundwater contamination and surface …

Person seated at an ergonomic office workstation with an adjustable desk setup and a small cooling fan, suggesting workplace accommodations for multiple sclerosis.

Blog Environmental Sensitivities MCS Support Services

Workplace Accommodations for MS: How to Secure Support and Continue Your Career

Workplace accommodations for MS are legally protected adjustments to your job environment or duties that help you manage symptoms like fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, or heat sensitivity while maintaining your professional responsibilities. In Canada, employers have a legal duty to accommodate employees with MS under human rights legislation, and most accommodations cost little or nothing to implement.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or your symptoms are making work increasingly difficult, you’re not alone in facing these challenges. Many people with MS continue successful …

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Why You Should Be Wary of POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants)

POPs, short for Persistent Organic Pollutants, are far from the enjoyable fizz of soda; they’re a critical environmental and health issue we can no longer afford to overlook.
These pollutants have woven themselves into our global environment due to their historical and ongoing use, posing significant risks not only to ecosystems but also to human health. So it’s about time that we shed light on what POPs are, their origins, and the reasons for concern over their increasing prevalence.
Understanding POPs
POPs are hazardous chemicals that pose a global threat. Once released into the environment, they can travel…

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Chemical Indoor Air Pollution Now Considered as Harmful as Tobacco Smoke

The World Health Organization now ranks air pollution among the top five major risk factors for chronic, non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurodegenerative disorders, alongside tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity.
Given that most people spend 90% of their time indoors, where the concentration of chemical pollutants can be higher than outdoors, the impact of indoor air quality on health is significant.
What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a condition where low-dose exposures to various substances, …

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7 Common Myths and Misconceptions about Climate Change

Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time, yet it’s shrouded in a haze of myths and misconceptions. These misconceptions can cloud our understanding and hinder effective action.
So, let’s clear the air and debunk 7 common myths about climate change.
Myth 1: Climate Change is Just Part of Earth’s Natural Cycle
It’s true that the Earth has experienced fluctuations in climate over millions of years. However, the current rate of change is unprecedented and cannot be attributed solely to natural cycles.
Scientific evidence overwhelmingly shows that human …

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How Vaping Serves as an Alternative for People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

For individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), navigating daily life can be challenging. Simple tasks like going to a grocery store or being in a room with strong scents can trigger uncomfortable symptoms. However, amidst these challenges, vaping has emerged as a potential alternative for those seeking relief from MCS symptoms. In particular, popular salt nic e-liquids have become a favored choice due to their lower volatility and milder scent profiles, offering a less irritating option for sensitive users.
In this …