1. canadian partnership for
children’s
health & environment
A Father’s Day Report —
Men, Boys and Environmental
Health Threats
Summary Report
June 15, 2007
Summary of A Father’s Day Report — Men, Boys and Environmental Health Threats 4

2. Boys at Risk Cancer
Although cancer is rare among all children, more
The health of all children living in Canada is at
boys get cancer than girls. Among young adults
risk from exposure to environmental hazards.
(age 20–44) several cancers are on the rise,
Hundreds of toxic substances, such as air
including testicular cancer. Concern arises over
pollutants and pesticides are known, or suspected
parents’ exposures before conception or during
of contributing to adverse child health outcomes.
pregnancy. Childhood cancers are associated with
Much remains to be understood about
exposures to pesticides, solvents, petroleum
environmental links to adverse health impacts. In
products, motor vehicle exhaust, benzene and
the meantime, it is better to be safe than sorry.
other pollutants. Much remains unknown. Since
Much can be done to reduce or prevent
cancer involves problems with cell division, it is
exposures.
logical that exposures during times of rapid cell
division (especially in the womb) likely pose the
For a number of these health outcomes, boys
greatest risk.
seem to be particularly at risk. Whether we look
at cancer, asthma, birth defects, or learning and
Asthma
behavioural disorders, the boys are often faring
worse than the girls.
In the past 20 years there has been a dramatic rise
in asthma in children. Less well known is that
The reasons that boys appear to be at greater risk
boys are worse off. More boys have asthma than
for these conditions are largely unknown, but
girls and more are hospitalized for it. Boys are
several reasons have been suggested, including
born with smaller airways, relative to their lung
increased exposure and genetic, hormonal and
size, than girls. They also tend to have more
physiological differences between the sexes.
allergies which can contribute to their developing
asthma. Asthma is a complex disease. Evidence
Male vulnerability to environmental hazards is
shows that it results from interactions between
an emerging area of scientific research and public
genetics and environmental triggers. Such triggers
education. This Father’s Day report summarizes
include indoor and outdoor air pollution and
the information currently available on the rates
may also include some pesticides and chemicals
of diseases and disabilities of boys compared to
in household cleaning products.
girls and what is known about the environmental
links to these health impacts. We need to know
more about the reasons why boys appear to be Learning and Developmental Disorders
more vulnerable. In the meantime, both parents, and Disabilities
and all members of society, can take action to
prevent exposure to toxic chemicals. Very large numbers of children in Canada have
learning and behavioural disorders or disabilities.
The apparent increase in autism in recent years is
of concern. For unknown reasons, boys are at
greater risk. More boys than girls have autism,
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
learning disabilities, Tourette’s syndrome, cerebral
palsy, and dyslexia. For autism and ADHD, boys
outnumber the girls by up to four to one.
We know that children’s brains can be damaged
by lead, mercury, arsenic, radiation, dioxins,
PCBs, solvents and some pesticides. Many more
chemicals may be toxic to the brain but much is
unknown. Of special concern are chemicals that
Photo credit: Loren Vanderlinden
Summary of A Father’s Day Report — Men, Boys and Environmental Health Threats 1

3. are similar to dioxin and PCBs including the fire Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome
proofing chemicals or flame retardants known as
PBDEs. Boys’ brains may be more vulnerable for Scientists describe a group of impacts on the
several reasons. There are genetic differences, male reproductive system under the term
slower rates of maturity and greater vulnerability Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome (TDS). TDS
to physical injury. Brain development and the includes the birth defects cryptorchidism and
pattern of hormone production in the womb are hypospadias, as well as poor semen quality (i.e.
different for boys than girls. Recent studies of reduced sperm count, more abnormal sperm),
adults reveal gender differences in brain structure, lower fertility and perhaps also testicular cancer.
function and chemistry. These differences may Scientists suspect chemical exposures during
make boys more vulnerable to chemical pregnancy, specifically during the time when the
exposures. As well, there are a larger number of male reproductive system is developing may be
cell divisions in males during fetal development causing these related impacts.
which increases the chances of
genetic errors occurring. Hormones of the
endocrine system play an
Birth Defects important role in
development of the fetus.
Birth defects occur in about two to Scientists suspect that TDS
three per cent of births in Canada results from chemicals
with boys affected more often than that can disrupt these
girls. About half of birth defects hormones. Called
affecting boys include “endocrine disruptors,”
cryptorchidism (undescended scientists have shown
testicles) and hypospadias (a these effects (mostly
defect of the male urinary tract). through animal studies
Stillbirths and miscarriages — but also in some human
which often can be due to birth studies) for a few
defects — also seem to be more chemicals including PCBs,
Photo credit: Mark Surman
common in male babies. dioxins and some
organochlorine pesticides
Many factors can contribute to birth defects such as DDT. Evidence is growing about other
including genetics, infection during pregnancy, chemicals found in everyday consumer products
and environmental factors. Much remains such as: phthalates (found in many personal care
completely unknown. Interaction of multiple products, food packaging and other products),
factors is likely. We know that certain chemicals Bisphenol A (also in food packaging and many
can impact development, including lead, other plastic products), brominated flame
mercury, radiation, and PCBs contaminated by retardants or PBDEs (used in many different
dioxins and furans. Scientists suspect many more products containing foam or fabric as well as
including some pesticides, organic solvents, and numerous electronic products) and surfactants
some air pollutants. such as nonylphenols (used in detergents,
degreasers, paints, etc.).
Development of the male reproductive system
has more steps and is more complex than for the Endocrine disruptors may also have played a role
female system. As a result there are more chances in the declining male to female sex ratio in many
for error. Rapid cell growth creates a higher risk of industrialized nations — that is, fewer male
incorporating errors during development than children are born every year. Between 1970 and
cells growing more slowly. Where defects 1990, there was a decline of 2.2 males per 1,000
originate in an X chromosome, females have a live births in Canada.
chance to “neutralize” this defect with another X
chromosome, while males have only one X
chromosome.
Summary of A Father’s Day Report — Men, Boys and Environmental Health Threats 2

4. Fathers’ Exposures and For more information on the chemicals you may
be exposed to on the job, and what you can do
their Children’s Health about them, contact the Canadian Centre for
Occupational Health and Safety at 1-800-668-
Many studies show links between fathers’ 4284 or visit www.ccohs.ca.
exposures to chemicals and health problems in
their children. These include low birth weight, At home, it is important to:
spontaneous abortion, birth defects, cancer and • Remove shoes at the door
developmental delays. Chemical exposures for • Wet dust, vacuum and ventilate your home
men may directly affect sperm quality. Chemicals regularly
can also be carried in seminal fluid. Workplace • Minimize your use of toxic chemicals: buy
chemicals may be brought home by the father personal care products and cleaning products
exposing mother, fetus or child. Occupations of that are less toxic. See www.lesstoxicguide.ca
particular concern include those that involve the for a list of safe alternatives
use of pesticides, solvents, petroleum products, • If your hobbies involve the use of hazardous
paints, anesthetics, metals or radiation. substances make sure these are not practiced
in the living areas of the house, that your
workspace is kept well ventilated, and that
you wear protective clothing
Playing It Safe:
Childproofing Tips for For many more useful tips, see Child Health and
the Environment — A Primer and the Playing It Safe
Fathers brochure available at
www.healthyenvironmentforkids.ca.
As a father, you can take steps to minimize the
toxic substances that you, your partner and your And in the community, as fathers you can:
children may be exposed to. You can do this at • Become aware of the chemicals your children
work, at home and in your community. may be exposed to in childcare facilities,
Remember that these tips are just as important schools, playgrounds, parks, libraries, sports
for mothers. fields and arenas. Ask what products are
being used — particularly cleaning products
At work, become aware of possible environmental and pesticides — and whether they have been
and occupational hazards. If you work with evaluated for health impacts. Find out if
chemicals, or in construction or renovation, make alternative products or approaches have been
sure you take all necessary precautions to protect considered.
yourself and your family: • Start or support campaigns to reduce
• Wear protective clothing and equipment (e.g., pesticide use, promote energy efficiency, and
masks, gloves, or other protections) reduce greenhouse gas emissions, etc.
• Wash your hands when possible, especially • Voice your concerns to your elected officials
before eating — many issues require policy change at the
• Change your clothes and shower when you municipal, provincial or federal level.
get home if facilities are not available at your
workplace For more information on ways you can get
• Wash work clothes separately from other clothes involved and steps that you can take to ensure a
• Keep work equipment outside if possible (in healthy future for you and your children visit the
the tool shed or garage for example) Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and
Environment at
www.healthyenvironmentforkids.ca.
For the full Father’s Day report summarized here, please visit the CPCHE website at
www.healthyenvironmentforkids.ca.
Summary of A Father’s Day Report — Men, Boys and Environmental Health Threats 3