IPEN SEA D-TOX SESSIONS

Our first D-tox session this year is the Webinar on Forever Chemicals (PFAS) conducted last April 7, 2021, in celebration of World Health Day.  Invited resource persons were Pam Miller, IPEN Co-Chair and Executive Director of Alaska Community Action on Toxics, and Jeff Gearhart, Research Director of Ecology Center, who shared important information about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The webinar shed light on the hazards to health and the environment posed by highly persistent per- and polyfluroalkyl substances, which are known for their grease- and water-resistant properties. PFAS are also called forever chemicals because they don’t break down in the environment and build up in human bodies over time.  They remain there even after they have been phased out or banned contaminating the ecosystems and our bodies without end and causing adverse health effects.  

The webinar was co-organized with the EcoWaste Coalition and participated by one hundred eighteen (118) virtual attendees, organizers, and resource persons (78F and 40M) from IPEN POs, EcoWaste Coalition members, representatives from the Philippine government agencies, public and private colleges, and universities, local government units and informal waste sector communities in the Philippines.
 

Our second D-Tox Session is the Webinar on IPEN SEA Citizen Science Initiatives in celebration of April as Citizen Science Month. Thru this webinar, IPEN SEA recognizes the various opportunities created upon the utilization of citizen science approaches for public participation in environmental research and in helping with some of the biggest problems in science. 
 
In 2020, IPEN SEA, with support from the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) successfully organized the 4-part series virtual conference which provided the platform for regional stakeholders to discuss and advance citizen science approaches towards environmental justice, citizen’s empowerment, gender equity, and health promotion in addressing urban pollution from toxic chemicals. Also in 2020, five (5) citizen science projects were successfully implemented by the IPEN SEA participating organizations despite the challenges experienced because of the existing COVID19 pandemic. The webinar aimed at;

1. promoting the results of the Citizen Science projects;
2. sharing reflections from the project implementers and citizen science volunteers; and
3. gathering suggestions and recommendations on how to maximize citizen science in addressing more environmental pollution, toxic chemicals, and waste issues in the Southeast and East Asia region.

The webinar was co-organized with the EcoWaste Coalition and with resource persons from the SEI, NEXUS3, IDIS, CAP, ECOTON, and CGFED with 43 virtual attendees (17F, 26M). 

APRIL is CITIZEN SCIENCE MONTH!
Visit the IPEN SEA Virtual Conference website and check out the 2020 Citizen Science projects successfully implemented by IPEN SEA participating organizations. 

IPEN SEA is also happy to share the newly released Ebook on IPEN SEA Citizen Science Initiatives launched last April 28, 2021, during the Webinar on Citizen Science Initiatives. The Ebook contains ten (10) amazing short stories of successfully implemented initiatives.

Check out this newly released IPEN publication on Aquatic Pollutants in Oceans and Fisheries. 
This report is the first to bring together in one place the latest scientific research demonstrating how chemical pollution is adversely impacting the aquatic food chain that supports all life on earth. Also, according to this report, the increasing levels of chemical and plastic pollution are major contributors to declines in the world’s fish populations and other aquatic organisms. 
 

EARTH Thailand, in partnership with ARNIKA, issues a press release and video documentation calling for closer monitoring of polluters as Thais are being affected by heavy Industries. Pollution of air, soil, and food chain reach extreme levels in Thailand, as shown by the long-term measurements conducted by environmental organizations Ecological Alert and Recovery Thailand (EARTH) and Arnika. NGOs and communities affected now ask the authorities to introduce a mandatory system to monitor emissions of harmful substances from industrial plants and factories. Data should be reported in a Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) - an effective mechanism of public control that has proved its worth in reducing pollution in European countries and has contributed to the safety of communities.
 

NEXUS3 shares results on the analysis of 120 samples of wood and metal paints, including spray paint, road markings, and boat paints, purchased in-person in 10 cities and online. The results of this initial measurement showed that the average lead concentration was 9,606.97 ppm. About 68.3% of the sample contained lead above 90 ppm, with the highest number being 77,060 ppm (yellow-orange paint). The remainder, 31.67%, showed yields below 90 ppm. 

GREENERS ACTION Hongkong participates in the launching of the movie “MINIMATA”. The film tells a story about mercury poisoning of coastal communities in Shuibo, Japan. Greeners Action relates with the movie as mercury is continuously affecting the environment and public health as they shared the IPEN report on Mercury in Women of Child-bearing Age in 25 Countries.

ECOWASTE COALITION launches #ALERTOXIC. As this blend of words “alert” and “toxic” suggests, it aims to forewarn people on matters involving chemical hazards and risks that can adversely affect human health or threaten the natural environment. ALERTOXIC covers chemicals, products, and wastes, plus processes, which may expose the public, particularly vulnerable populations such as the children, women, workers, and the poor, to substances of concern. On its first two issues, it tackled Lead-filled eyeliners and Mercury-Laced Beauty Creams. Consumers are advised to steer clear of these cosmetics to prevent harmful exposure to mercury and to take pride in natural skin color and avoid chemical whiteners: “natural is beautiful.” READ: bit.ly/3gCDeNJ

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