Report: Medical Perspective on
Environmental Sensitivities (86 pages)
Accommodation for Environmental
Sensitivities: Legal Perspective (44 pages)
Executive Summary can also be found at:
Excerpts:
Pg. 3 “What are “environmental sensitivities”?
The term “environmental sensitivities” describes a variety
of reactions to chemicals, electromagnetic
radiation and other environmental factors at exposure levels commonly tolerated by many people. These phenomena are not yet fully
understood. In contrast, some toxic environmental agents such as such as metals
(e.g. lead, mercury), rock dusts (e.g. asbestos, silica), chemicals (e.g.
hydrogen sulphide, dioxin) and biological agents (e.g. snake or scorpion venom)
are better understood as to their ill effects on people.
“Environmental sensitivities” does not describe a single,
simple condition with a universal cause. Environmentally sensitive individuals
link their symptoms to aspects of their environment such as being in a
particular place or being exposed to one or more factors such as chemicals,
biological materials or electromagnetic
phenomena.
Table 1: Names used for aspects
of environmental sensitivities and commonly overlapping conditions*
Aspects of Environmental Sensitivities
Total allergy syndrome
Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT)
Multiple chemical sensitivity(ies) (MCS)
Multiple chemical hypersensitivity(ies)
Chemical intolerance(s)
Gulf War illness/syndrome
Idiopathic environmental intolerance
Environmental illness
Chemical injury/allergy
Toxic injury
Tight building syndrome
Sick building syndrome
Twentieth century disease
Chemically induced illness
Chemophobia
Electromagnetic (hyper)sensitivities/intolerance
Radiowave sickness
|
Commonly Overlapping Conditions
Fibromyalgia
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) Chronic fatigue syndrome
Post-viral fatigue syndrome
Post-infectious neuromyasthenia
Chronic pain
Migraine
Arthritis
Allergies
Rhinitis
Asthma
Food intolerance syndrome
Celiac disease
Irritable bowel syndrome
Major depression
Anxiety or panic disorder
Hypothyroidism
|
pg. 17 Table 6: Typical
agents that trigger reactions in susceptible individuals (and may contribute to
initiation of environmental sensitivities)
Electromagnetic radiation
|
Light
Radiowaves
and Microwaves
Very low frequency
electromagnetic fields
Ground currents
|
Lighting
Video display screens
Fluorescent light bulbs, “dirty electricity,” wiring
problems, energy-efficient devices, computers, televisions, telecommunications
equipment
Power lines
Power supply services that allow current to flow through
the ground, pipes or structures
|
pg. 19 Table 7:
Environmental sensitivity symptoms/reactions Body system
Body system
|
Symptoms
|
Nervous system
|
Heightened sense of smell
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty remembering
Apparent variability in
mental processes
Feeling dull or groggy
Feeling “spacey”
Headaches
Restlessness,
hyperactivity, agitation,
I insomnia
Depression
Lack of coordination or
balance
Anxiety
Seizures
Tinnitus
|
Upper respiratory system
|
Stuffy nose, itchy nose
(the “allergic salute”)
Blocked ears
Sinus stuffiness, pain,
infections
|
Lower respiratory system
|
Cough
Wheezing, shortness of
breath, heavy chest
Asthma
Frequent bronchitis or
pneumonia
|
Eyes
|
Red, watery eyes
Dark circles under eyes
Pain in eyes
Blurred, disturbed vision
|
Gastrointestinal system
|
Heartburn
Nausea
Bloating
Constipation
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
|
Endocrine system
|
Fatigue,
lethargy
Blood sugar fluctuations
|
Musculoskeletal system
|
Joint
and muscle pain in the extremities and/or back
Muscle twitching or spasms
Muscle weakness
|
Cardiovascular system
|
Rapid or irregular
heartbeat
Cold extremities
High or low blood pressure
|
Skin (dermatological system)
|
Flushing
(whole body, or isolated, such as ears, nose or cheeks)
Hives
Eczema
Other rashes
itching
|
Genitourinary system
|
Frequency
and urgency to urinate
Painful
bladder spasms
|
pg. 22/86
“Improving
indoor environmental quality will potentially benefit many
more people than the individual identified with sensitivities. Workers are more productive and general
symptoms of “sick building syndrome” may improve when ventilation is improved
or a pollution source is removed from offices. Children are healthier
and learn better when indoor environmental quality is improved in schools......"The health and ability to work
for those with environmental sensitivities rests with the choices and actions of others,
such as building managers, co-workers and clients”.
pg. 23/86
“This review
indicates that physical factors contribute to environmental sensitivities. There remain many unanswered questions
regarding sensitivities and the interplay between biochemical, neurological
and psychological processes.
It is important for society to come to a common understanding, in order to
offer the most efficient, effective care to people with environmental
sensitivities”.
pg. 31-33/86
The high prevalence of neurological symptoms in people with
environmental sensitivities led to interest in “kindling” within the nervous
system. Kindling is a phenomenon whereby repeated low level exposures to chemicals, or
electromagnetic currents or fields eventually cause symptoms
at levels previously tolerated. In this process,
neurochemical, behavioural, endocrine and/or immunological responses are
amplified.
This is a basic part of the brain, governing autonomic
functions that maintain biological homeostasis. It is involved with the
sense of smell,
sleep, emotions and behaviour, as well as learning
and short-term memory. The
limbic system can become sensitized to stressors, and once sensitized will react
even to very weak stimuli, eliciting symptoms as seen in
environmental sensitivities.
pg. 30 Table 8:
International initiatives addressing environmental sensitivities in building
Country
|
Initiatives
|
International
|
• ASHRAE examined air quality standards for industrial
settings in the USA and Germany, and concluded that standards are not set to
protect environmentally sensitive individuals. Many are set to address
irritation over the short term.
Prominent
scientists signed the Benevento Resolution (Feb.06) affirming that there is
considerable and strengthening scientific evidence that low-intensity,
low-frequency and radio-frequency electromagnetic fields are responsible for
biological effects and health effects. Scientists
called for more research, and a more precautionary
approach to standards, recommended exposures, and technologies in the
market place.
|
pg. 46,47/86
C. Electromagnetic radiation and fields
“Electromagnetic radiation” covers a broad range of frequencies (over 20
orders of magnitude), from low frequencies in electricity supplies, radiowaves
and microwaves, infrared and visible light, to x-rays and cosmic rays.
Our limited understanding of the biological
effects of the vast
majority of frequencies gives reason for concern. Although there is still debate in
this regard, tinnitus, brain tumours
and acoustic neuroma are
associated with cell phones and mobile
phones.
Communications and radar antennae expose those who live or
work near these installations to their emissions. The radiation travels through buildings, and can also be
conducted along electrical wires or metal plumbing. Wireless
communications create levels within buildings that are orders of magnitude
higher than natural background levels.
The World Health
Organization (WHO) acknowledges the condition of electromagnetic sensitivity, and published
a 2006 research agenda for radio-frequency
fields. The WHO recommends that people reporting
sensitivities receive a comprehensive health evaluation. It states: “Some studies suggest that certain physiological
responses of EHS individuals tend to be outside the normal range. In particular, hyperactivity in the central nervous system and imbalance in the
autonomic nervous system need to be followed up in clinical
investigations and the results for the individuals taken as input for possible
treatment.” Reduction of electromagnetic radiation may ameliorate
symptoms in people with chronic fatigue”.
Pg. 48/86
Telecommunications
“The Royal Society of Canada
reviewed the issue of health effects of radio-frequency transmissions for Health Canada in 1999, with updates in 2001
and 2004. The latest report summarizes and is consistent with positions taken
by many other authorities in Britain, Europe and the USA (e.g. California).
Regulations for telecommunications are based
upon avoiding heating of tissue as a result of exposure to electromagnetic
radiation. However, other biological phenomena
are both plausible and observed at much lower exposure levels.
The Royal Society concluded that even if the evidence is not clear that adverse
health effects from lower exposures to radiofrequencies exist, there is a need
for further research. There is growing evidence of cancers (particularly acoustic neuroma) associated with the
use of mobile telephones. Given the seriousness of the
adverse effects and the availability of alternative technologies, a
precautionary approach is warranted.
In 2006, based upon a comprehensive review of the
scientific literature, the International Firefighters took the position that
transmission facilities should not be located at fire stations.256 The growing plethora of wireless
communication devices such as Internet, WiFi, cell phones, satellite radio,
microwave transmissions, TV broadcasts, etc. are exposing the populace to more
and stronger electromagnetic frequencies. Shielding may block electromagnetic
radiation (but not magnetic fields). Buildings, geography, weather and
immediate surroundings affect exposure from telecommunications by
reflecting or focusing radiation, thereby creating elevated local levels. Measurements in Canadian cities are many times higher than the regulated levels. Canadian regulations do not require labelling
of emissions from communications devices. Use of alternative technologies (wire or fibre data
transmission) is the most straightforward, feasible and effective measure to
accommodate workers with electromagnetic sensitivities.”
Radiofrequencies on power lines
“Some emerging research regarding electromagnetic
sensitivities focuses on the radio-frequency “noise” on power lines. This arises from problems in the wiring and
from “chopping” of the 60-cycle
signal in modern power-efficient and sophisticated electronics.
Remediation of wiring and addition of low-cost tuned circuits to electrical
equipment are two steps to address this problem. As a “band-aid,” Graham-Stetzer
filters can be plugged into outlets to remove these high frequencies
from the power lines. Using these filters to create an electromagnetically
“cleaner” environment, improvements are reported for several health outcomes, including multiple sclerosis, behavioural problems and asthma in children
in schools, and diabetes”.
Pg. 49/86
Summary
“One of the most effective and economical strategies for
achieving healthy indoor spaces and good air quality is to minimize potential
pollutants during construction and renovation. ... Least-toxic construction, maintenance and pest
control, and infrastructure
that minimizes exposure to electromagnetic phenomena all
require attention to detail and might entail minimal additional costs”.
Pg. 52/86
“Assessment of electromagnetic phenomena in the
workplace involves a variety of measurements and potential remediation, from
correction of wiring in the building to use
of alternative technologies”.
Pg. 53/86
c) Best practices - Accommodations for children in daycares and schools
“Some of the more detailed and stringent guidelines to
improve indoor air quality and to minimize
microbes and VOCs in indoor air have been the result of providing
healthy environments for children. Citizens for a Safe Learning
Environment (CASLE) exhaustively examined considerations for optimum indoor
environments in institutions. Recently, the
Canadian
Partnership for Children's Health and Environment released “Playing it Safe: Service Provider
Strategies to Reduce Environmental Risks to Preconception, Prenatal and Child
Health.” The Partnership also provides a checklist that covers many factors impacting
environmental sensitivities, which follows from its “Child
Health and the Environment - A Primer.”
Health Canada has developed “Tools
for Schools” information to
optimize environmental quality, although they are not as
stringent as the citizens’ initiative. As of September 2006, New York State required “Green Cleaning” in schools, hoping to improve asthma and behavioural
problems”.
pg. 55/86
“This report was prepared to inform employers, service
providers and individual Canadians about the medical aspects of environmental
sensitivities. It covers the range of symptoms and conditions associated with
environmental sensitivities; recognition and awareness by international,
national, provincial and municipal bodies; medical research, diagnosis and
treatment; issues regarding building codes and practices that affect accommodation
of people with sensitivities; accommodation guidelines; and their impact
in the workplace.
People’s responses
to factors in their environment vary enormously. Some people have debilitating responses to chemicals or electromagnetic radiation. They
usually experience
neurological difficulties and often have symptoms such
as fatigue,
burning eyes, headaches, trouble thinking and concentrating, nasal congestion,
pain in various parts of the body, respiratory distress and gastrointestinal
ailments… Symptoms are
reproducible with repeated exposures, and resolve with
avoidance of environmental factors
that trigger symptoms. This condition may be initiated by one or a
combination of environmental factors such as mould, pesticides, solvents,
chemicals or electromagnetic phenomena.
Approximately 3% of
Canadians have been diagnosed with environmental sensitivities and up to one-third
of the population may experience discomfort due to
factors in their environment. Early
recognition, environmental control, avoidance of
symptom-triggering agents, removal of residual toxins from the body, and recovery of
normal
biological processes are key to regaining and maintaining health for
people with
sensitivities. However,
susceptibility to sensitivities will be lifelong.
Recognition of environmental sensitivities is developing internationally
and in many Canadian government departments. Environmental sensitivities and
related conditions are eligible for compensation by some Workers’
Compensation Boards, although there is marked inconsistency across
Canada. Public
policy, law and regulation are advancing to protect people from triggers of
sensitivities, such
as tobacco smoke, pesticides, scents and other chemicals in public places....
Furthermore, the medical community is advocating for broader policies and laws
and increasingly acknowledging environmental sensitivities in medical
education.”
pg.56/86
“Green” guidelines incorporate a wide range of important
environmental measures, but do not ensure that indoor environmental quality
will be sufficient for people with sensitivities. More stringent guidelines have been developed for
schools.
Improving the environmental quality of the workplace promotes
workers’ health and
productivity and can prevent the development of sensitivities in others. Building or renovating with a
view to accommodating people with sensitivities is not
costly over the longer term; nor are education and leadership
for behaviour
change in the workplace.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accommodation
for Environmental Sensitivities: Legal Perspective
Excerpts:
Pg. 3
Executive Summary and Recommendations
“The Canadian Human
Rights Commission commissioned this research project to examine past legal
assessments of accommodation for environmental sensitivities, including how
third parties may be involved and the relevance of buildings codes and
standards. Environmental sensitivities are a complex and often poorly
understood group of chronic conditions. Individuals with environmental
sensitivities experience adverse reactions to environmental agents that are
prevalent throughout the built environment and include electromagnetic fields and the chemicals found in building
materials, furniture, cleaning and copying products, fragrances and pesticides”
Accommodations that
individuals with environmental sensitivities may require generally involve minimizing the use of triggering
substances, filtering triggers from the environment or avoiding the
trigger-filled environment. Each
type of accommodation may meet the test of undue hardship in Canada, but will
depend upon the circumstances of the accommodating entity. The entity may be able to require the
individual’s non-attendance, where attendance would be detrimental to his or
her health, and the entity may be required to use enforcement mechanisms to
ensure that third parties co-operate with accommodation measures”.
Pg.8
“While this paper uses the term “environmental
sensitivities,” numerous other terms refer to the same or similar conditions,
including “multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS),” “chemical injury,” “sick
building syndrome,” “environmental illness,” “environmental hypersensitivity,” “electromagnetic field (EMF) sensitivity,”
“Gulf War syndrome,” “environmental sensitivity disorder,” “20th century
disease” and “environmental allergies.” Because of the variation in triggers
and symptoms, it is preferable to refer to sensitivities in the plural, rather
than the singular.”
Pg. 9
II. Environmental Sensitivities, Disability and Medical
Evidence
a. Definitions of Disability
“International approaches to definitions of disability in
human rights protection vary in their reliance on medical diagnoses and
symptoms. At one end of this spectrum are the Canadian and Australian
approaches, in which a very broad definition of disability is
adopted. As a result of this, complainants are required to
provide minimal medical evidence to establish that they qualify as persons with
a disability, and
individuals with environmental
sensitivities do not need to prove the veracity of their condition.
In fact, the courts have
specifically held that the inability of the medical community to diagnose a
condition or identify its cause does not affect whether an individual has a
disability, so long as its triggers can be identified. Instead, the
analysis is meant
to focus on the individual’s accommodation
needs and the behaviour of the employer or service provider”.
Pg. 33
VI. Conclusion
“Successful
accommodations require innovative strategies to minimize or eliminate exposure
to triggers through their elimination or removal from the environment or through avoidance of the environment. Individuals normally excluded from the
accommodation process, such as colleagues, other service recipients and
neighbours, must actively participate in many accommodations of people with
environmental sensitivities if the accommodation is to be successful. Employers and service
providers must be willing to develop and utilize
enforcement mechanisms to compel compliance where it is not provided
voluntarily”.
