Thanks to TEA, the Medical Officer of Health is taking the first step to reduce the top 8 toxic chemicals released into Toronto’s air!
Eight substances have been identified as 'high concern' and a risk to the health of Torontonians. These chemicals include:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
- Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Cadmium
- Tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene or "perc")
- Mercury
- Lead
The MOH will begin identifying pollution prevention partnership opportunities for these 8 chemicals and give a progress report in 2015.
Why not start with dry cleaners? The ChemTRAC map shows that over 90 dry cleaners across Toronto release 4 toxic chemicals found on the ‘top 8’ priority list including perc (tetrachloroethylene,) which is linked to cancer.
