MEDIA ADVISORY - An open invitation to Pollution Probe's Public Forum on Toxic Substances

TORONTO, March 21, 2012 /CNW/ - A day rarely goes by without yet another news story about lead found in children's toys, mercury levels in our fish or contaminants in our food or water.  But how many of us understand the concepts of exposure and risk, of dose and hazard?  How many of us know the means by which toxic substances enter our homes, and therefore how we can reduce their impacts on our lives?

To find out more, members of the public are invited to attend An Evening Public Forum on Toxic Substances to be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at the Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel (525 Bay Street) in Toronto.  The event, hosted by Pollution Probe, runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with refreshments at 6:00 p.m.

The Public Forum is the venue for the launch of Pollution Probe's new Primer on Toxic Substances.  The Primer is the most recent publication in Pollution Probe's series of educational primers intended to inform Canadians about current environmental issues.

Dr. Richard Denison, Senior Scientist at Environmental Defense Fund (U.S.), will deliver the evening's keynote address, focusing on the status of toxic substances management in Canada, the United States and the European Union.  This will be followed by a panel discussion on toxic substances moderated by Gord Miller, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. The panelists include:

• Erica Phipps, Partnership Director, Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and the Environment;
• Bob Masterson, Vice-President, Responsible Care, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada; and
• Kevin Perry, Director, Program Planning and Implementation Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment.

The management of toxic substances is a complex issue with many uncertainties, yet it is unquestionably important because it affects not only our lives but also those of generations to come.

About Pollution Probe's Primer on Toxic Substances

Pollution Probe's new Primer on Toxic Substances provides the building blocks needed to participate more fully in discussions and activities aimed at minimizing the release and use of toxic substances.

The Primer summarizes the current understanding of toxic substances, how they are identified, their potential impacts on human health and the environment, and possible sources of exposure.  It surveys the roles played by governments, industry and individuals and the action that we can all take to foster a safer, healthier future.

Pollution Probe's primer series sets out the scientific basis for concern, potential solutions and the policy tools available to address current environmental issues.  Each primer focuses on what is being done and what more can be done by governments, businesses and individuals on the issue in question. The primers are reviewed before publication by scientists, non-governmental organizations, industry experts, policy-makers and others who have technical expertise in the subject area.  Pollution Probe routinely holds public events to introduce its primers.

Pollution Probe's new Primer on Toxic Substances is available for download, free of charge, at www.pollutionprobe.org/whatwedo/chemicals/toxicsprimer

About Pollution Probe

Established in 1969, Pollution Probe is a national, non-profit organization that exists to improve the health and well-being of Canadians by advancing policy that achieves positive, tangible environmental change.  It has a proven track record of working in partnership with industry and government to develop practical solutions to environmental challenges.  Visit www.pollutionprobe.org for details.

Melissa DeYoung
Pollution Probe
Tel:  [phone] x239
Email:  [email protected]

Amanda Fearon
Environics Communications
Tel:  [phone]
Email:  [email protected]

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