BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Recently, I tasked one of our sharpest journalists (Adrian Reece) with exploring the alarming rise in cancer among young people. What he uncovered was startling—a well-researched article that paints a grim picture of what’s happening, but this is more than just a story about numbers and trends. This article will shine a light on something much more sinister, something lurking beneath the surface that many of us have yet to fully grasp or take seriously. It’s time to confront this reality head-on.

Forever chemicals are everywhere. They are in our food supply and are polluting our soil and drinking water. Even the most remote places in the world, like Antarctica and the Himalayas, are now contaminated with PFAS.

We have repeatedly warned about the dangers of PFAS, as these are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can affect hormones and metabolism, as well as interfere with: growth, fertility and development, which could put young children at risk. Studies have shown that PFAS may also contribute to cancer, including promoting its spread. This is because PFAS can cause changes in: epigenetics, immunosuppression, oxidative stress, inflammation, or via hormone and metabolomic pathways. There’s also evidence suggesting that exposure to forever chemicals can trigger gastrointestinal inflammation and cause ulcerative colitis — a known precursor to colorectal cancer.

What’s worse is that not only are the potential health effects of PFAS becoming more apparent, but they’re also occurring at lower and lower doses and exposure levels.

“The Poison in Us All,” a documentary by Bloomberg Investigates the origins of per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) or “forever chemicals,” and how they are putting our lives and the lives of future generations at risk. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now recognizes more than 14,000 different chemical structures as PFAS. These synthetic, man-made chemicals have a unique biochemistry, in that they have many carbon-fluorine bonds, which are “Some of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry,” says Laurel Schaider, a senior scientist from the Silent Spring Institute. This is why PFAS don’t break down easily in the environment, and why they can bioaccumulate in people and wildlife. In fact, PFAS have half-lives of two to five years in the human body.

Rates of cancer diagnosis in children are increasing in Minnesota, which is where chemical company 3M’s global headquarters are located. As far back as the 1960s, the company has been dumping PFAS chemicals in the surrounding areas. Minnesota sued 3M for the damage that it has caused to the state’s natural resources, and in 2018, the company was ordered to pay $850 million for contaminating the state’s water supply for decades.

In 2010, the state of Minnesota sued 3M for the damage that it has caused to the state’s natural resources. During the investigation, a mass of the company’s internal documents was released. What they discovered was disturbing, as it was found that, as early as 1975, the company was aware that PFAS were showing up in human blood.

3M also conducted its own internal investigation and found that workers who were exposed to the chemicals also had PFAS building up in their bodies, and animal studies also revealed disturbing effects. What’s more, in 1997, 3M provided DuPont, another chemical company, with a material safety data sheet with a cancer warning label — then removed that label the same year.

How were PFAS discovered? Strangely enough, the origins of these chemicals can be attributed to one of the most controversial moments in U.S. history — the Manhattan Project. This was the top-secret program conducted in the 1940s, when the American government rushed to build an atomic bomb. Bloomberg News reporter Tiffany Kary explains:

“After the war, companies began experimenting with these chemicals. One company had a scientist who accidentally splashed some of it on their canvas shoes. They discovered the chemicals had stain-proof and waterproof properties. That company was 3M.”

The unique chemical properties of PFAS — greaseproof, stain proof and water-resistant — made them useful for the manufacturing of various products and industrial applications. However, as time progressed and more scientific research started to come out, the problems and potential dangers of these chemicals came to light.

The good news is you can make a conscious effort to avoid products with high levels of PFAS, which will minimize your exposure:

• Pretreated or stain-repellent treatments — opt out of these treatments on clothing, furniture and carpeting. Clothing advertised as “breathable” is typically treated with polytetrafluoroethylene, a synthetic fluoropolymer commonly known as Teflon.
• Products treated with flame retardant chemicals — This includes furniture, carpet, mattresses and baby items. Instead, opt for naturally less flammable materials such as leather, wool and cotton.
• Fast food and carry-out foods — The containers are typically treated with PFAS.
• Microwave popcorn — PFAS may be present in the inner coating of the bag and may migrate to the oil from the packaging during heating. Instead, use “old-fashioned” stovetop non-GMO popcorn.
• Nonstick cookware and other treated kitchen utensils — Healthier options include ceramic and enameled cast iron cookware, both of which are durable, easy to clean and completely inert, which means they won’t release any harmful chemicals into your home.

I encourage you to watch this eye-opening film as it will expose just how pervasive these deadly chemicals have become.

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was an historic day on Thursday, August 1^st,2024, when the City of Brampton unveiled a new cultural monument at Emancipation Park, which is located near Dixie Rd and Highway 427. On hand were Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, Regional Councilor Rowena Santos as well as many community members, residents and supporters.

The press release issued by the City of Brampton states that it has added to its collection of more than 50 public art installations having recently unveiled a new memorial artwork commemorating Emancipation Day. August 1^st has been celebrated across the British Empire which includes Canada, because it was on that day, 1833 that the Slavery Abolition Act was signed. The new cultural monument is titled, ”Fah Who Dis?” and it features two colourful sculptures symbolizing the vibrancy, resilience and cultural heritage of Black-identifying Canadians. It invites residents and visitors to learn, celebrate and reflect on their journey towards freedom and equality.

Details about the unveiling of the new Emancipation Day memorial artwork were released in a press release issued by the City of Brampton on Friday, August 2^nd,, 2024. There were four artists who were commissioned to participate in the multi-artist project. They were:

Kanisha Dabreo A multidisciplinary artist, digital designer, Caribbean-Canadian and the founder of Artist Perception

Komi Olafimihan He is a Toronto-based visual artist who is of Nigerian background and works in diverse fields such as: painting, digital illustration, mural art.

Jamera Dacosta She engages in a wide view of areas such as: acrylic, oil pastel and digital art.

Jason O’Brien His work draws from Black-Afrocentric themes such as: culture, literature, music, fashion, and of culture.

Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton states, “This new monument stands as a powerful symbol of our commitment to learning from the past and building a future rooted in equity and inclusion. It honours the remarkable achievements of Black-identifying Canadians in our country’s history and the importance of staying together in solidarity. We are delighted to recognize Emancipation Day with such a significant and meaningful piece of art, and I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to AstroSankofa and the artists for their incredible work and vision.”

Rowena Santos, Regional Councilor, Wards 1 & 5, Chair of Community Services states, “AstroBlackJoy is not just an art installation; it is a celebration of culture, resilience and the unyielding spirit of Black-identifying Canadians. This memorial invites us all to reflect on our shared history and renew our commitment to combating racism and discrimination. It beautifully highlights the strength and diversity of our city, and I am deeply grateful to the artists for their dedication and creativity in bringing this project to life.”

Kelly Stahl, Director of Cultural Services, City of Brampton states, “We are thrilled to unveil AstroBlackJoy as a part of Brampton’s public art installation. This memorial embodies the collaborative spirit of our community and the incredible talent of our artists. It is a vibrant and thought-provoking piece that will inspire conversations and reflections on Emancipation Day and beyond.”

Kanisa Dabreo, Lead Artist of AstroBlackJoy states, “Creating AstroBlackJoy has been a deeply meaningful journey. This memorial is a tribute to the ancestors who fought for freedom and to the generations who continue to build on that legacy. It is a celebration of our culture, our history and our future. I am honoured to have collaborated with such talented artists and to contribute to Brampton’s public art collection.”

BY ADRIAN REECE

Cancer is a disease that has plagued generations. It is something that comes into contention with thoughts of your mortality as you get older. Now these concerns are coming to the forefront of thought at an earlier age. While the prevalence of cancers are decreasing in the older generations, the questions that pop up are related to the cause of these types of conditions. Along with the plethora of the kinds of cancers, we have to wonder which ones are increasing in young adults. Yale and Washington university professors attribute the rise in cancers to potential environmental and genetic factors. Particularly colorectal cancers in young adults. Scientists describe a stark change in diets and rising rates of obesity that are correlated with the cancer rates in young adults.

Environmental factors are a huge contributing factor in the indices of cancers in young adults. Carcinogenic substances in the atmosphere, industrial settings and regular encounters with contaminants seem to be greatly affecting adults under 50. This is the age group that spends most of their time in these environments due to being at working age. Young adults often work in industries like agriculture and construction which are places heavily laden with hazardous materials and substances. A progressive society enhances the exposure to cancer-causing substances. Building and creating infrastructure requires materials that are dangerous to be around for long periods of time.

The most controllable factor however is a person’s lifestyle. Within the scope of what you can control are: diet, exercise and what you keep in your immediate surroundings (the home). Young adults these days have higher rates of obesity and consume processed foods at higher rates than previous generations. Many food companies include harmful ingredients in their foods to either cut costs, or due to accessibility, and it is the consumers who pay for it long term. Even products like detergent can have ingredients that can affect you in a myriad of ways. A diet of processed and fried foods, excessive sugar, as well as processed meats contain chemicals not in fresh meat and are carcinogenic according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Physical activity, or a lack thereof coupled with recreational drug use, alcohol consumption, and smoking continues to be one of the biggest controllable factors that contribute to the rise of cancers in the body. Alcohol use is linked to liver and breast cancers in women as well and is a big risk that people take the more they drink.

A fast lifestyle seems to be a detriment to health in the long run. Years of behaviours and poor diet culminate in diseases that a person shouldn’t have to worry about until they are in their golden years, however the mindset of YOLO (you only live once) causes youth to no longer think long term, but to do everything right now without any consideration for their future, and how they would like to live. While there are things outside of our control and things within our control, we can possibly minimize rates by being more conscious of our decisions and the things we put in our bodies.

Cliches like healthy eating and a balanced lifestyle will be more important than ever for this generation as our choices of foods become poorer and poorer.