Are there any safe and acceptable levels of environmental poisons like lead, pesticides, PCBs and the phthalates found in many plastics? According to Simon Fraser University professor and researcher Bruce Lanphear, in the field of children's environmental health, the answer is a resounding no.
At the Oct. 15 Exploration and Discovery free keynote address at Chatelech Secondary School, more than 80 parents and child care providers were presented with much of the recent research that demonstrates a wide variety of children's chronic health issues, such as ADHD, autism and other developmental delays are associated with these presently considered safe amounts of toxins in our environment.
Of great concern is the research that suggests that most of the harmful impact of these toxins actually occurs at lower levels. Lanphear stressed during his presentation last Saturday that government decision makers must begin making further changes to our environmental protection laws and encouraged the audience to make informed choices when looking at products for their homes and daycares.
Other excellent and informative workshops were offered to participants including: proactive resolutions, common brain differences and how to make learning friendlier to all, supporting imagination through play and puppet shows, critical factors for healthy development and attachment, celebrating diversity with picture books, active out of school care, nature deficit disorder and fresh approaches to curriculum.
Exploration and Discovery is a yearly conference that supports child care providers and parents in meeting the developmental needs of children. The conference is planned and offered through Sunshine Coast Community Services Society's Child Care Resource and Referral Program (CCRR). CCRR provides toys, books and equipment lending libraries in Gibsons, Sechelt and Pender Harbour, child care information and subsidy support for families, and networking and training opportunities for child care providers.
For more information about CCRR or the annual Exploration and Discovery conference, please contact CCRR at 604-885-5657.
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