4.7.3 Toxic Environment

Reference to the Original NCI Report

The original NCI report titled “Inquiry into the Appropriateness and Efficacy of the COVID-19 Response in Canada” (November 28, 2023) examined systemic health issues in Canada, including environmental and dietary impacts on children. While focused on COVID-19 measures, this report provides context that complements the testimonies from the NCI Vancouver Hearings held in October 2024. These testimonies addressed a broader spectrum of issues related to environmental toxicity and its effects on children, reinforcing the need for urgent action to safeguard their health and well-being.

Introduction

The Vancouver NCI hearings offered a platform to examine the health and safety of Canadian children through the lens of expert and layperson testimonies. Dr. Michelle Perro, a key expert witness, described modern children as being under a “toxic assault” at a level unprecedented in history. Her testimony emphasized how environmental, dietary, and societal toxins, combined with systemic regulatory failures, are impacting children’s health, development, and future potential.

Toxicity, as defined during the hearings, is the measure of how harmful a substance or environment is to human life, health, or ecosystems. The testimonies outlined multiple sources of toxicity affecting Canadian children, including:

• Family Dynamics: Patterns of interaction, relationships, and communication within families that influence emotional and social development.

• Societal Pressures: Norms, expectations, and influences from cultural, economic, and political systems, as well as peers and media.

• Broader Systemic Issues: Connections between childhood trauma and lifelong health issues, often overlooked in public health frameworks.

• Environmental Toxins: Air pollution, water contamination, household hazards, cell phones, soil pollution, unexplained biosafety issues of vaccines, chemicals in our food.

All of these issues create challenges and impact Canadian children’s mental, emotional and physical well-being.

As Albert Einstein said, “The world is not dangerous because of those who do evil or harm, but because of those who look on without doing anything to change it.” By heeding these testimonies, Canada can make meaningful changes to protect its most vulnerable population: its children.

Discussion and Analysis of Witness Testimonies

Dr. Michelle Perro

Overview of Testimony

Dr. Michelle Perro has over 40 years of experience in pediatrics and 25 years in integrative medicine, Dr. Perro has held prominent roles, including director of paediatric emergency departments in New York City and at UCSF Benioff Oakland Children’s Hospital. She is also the co-author of the book What’s Making Our Children Sick? and the co-founder of the website GMOscience.org.

Dr. Perro has participated in numerous studies investigating toxicants in children’s products and was instrumental in creating a global Paediatric Environmental Health Bill of Rights. Additionally, she authored the first paediatric environmental health questionnaire designed for use by parents and practitioners.

Her testimony focused on the connections between genetically modified (GM) food, pesticides, and environmental toxins and their role in the growing health crisis among children. Dr. Perro’s research was prompted by the alarming rise in autism rates starting in the 2000s, which she described as a "spectrum pandemic." She provided the following data:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): In California, autism affects 1 in 22 children. In Canada, the rate is cited as 1 in 50 children (2%), though Dr. Perro believes the actual prevalence in Canada may be closer to U.S. figures.

• Asthma: Approximately 62% of Canadian children suffer from asthma, with Vancouver’s air pollution being a significant contributing factor.

• Obesity: 30% of Canadian children aged 2–17 are classified as obese, a condition often linked to poor dietary habits and environmental factors.

Dr. Perro noted that reliable Canadian data on these issues is not readily available and appears to be intentionally obscured. As confirmed by other expert witnesses, such as Dr. Jessica Rose, she had to conduct an extensive and in-depth search to gather the information necessary for her testimony.

Obesity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Although the rising prevalence of autism and asthma is a significant concern for Dr. Perro as a paediatrician, her testimony focused on obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Unlike most liver diseases, which are linked to drug or alcohol use, NAFLD is not substance-related. It is a silent condition that progresses to cirrhosis, often without symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose without an ultrasound. Unfortunately, ultrasounds are not typically performed in individuals without clinical symptoms.

Dr. Perro expressed particular alarm about the increasing rates of NAFLD, describing it as a silent epidemic. Currently, one in four Canadians is affected, including an estimated one third of obese children. Even lean children are not exempt, with 8% also diagnosed with NAFLD. She highlighted that the disease can progress into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an inflammatory condition that can lead to cirrhosis.

To emphasize the importance of liver health, Dr. Perro described a healthy liver as pink and vibrant, underscoring its critical role in detoxification. She advises her patients to “love their liver” as it is a primary organ responsible for filtering toxins. She explained the body’s first line of defence is the microbiome, as noted by Dr. Sabine Hazan in the 2024 Regina hearings, with the liver taking over this vital role.

Dr. Perro also discussed the widespread impact of glyphosate (chemical name: N-(phosphomethyl)glycine, molecular formula: C3H8NO5P), a broad-spectrum herbicide used extensively in agriculture. She has spent years studying its effects and identified a major concern: glycine, a ubiquitous amino acid that constitutes 90% of collagen, can be swapped out by glyphosate, altering the structural integrity of tissues. Dr. Perro noted that this may explain why children today often feel “doughy.”

Glyphosate is pervasive in the food supply, with studies showing it present in the urine of 80% of U.S. children. Dr. Perro cited research by Dr. Antonio, head of gene therapy and genetics at King’s College, U.K., which demonstrated that ultra-low doses of glyphosate (0.1 parts per billion) directly cause, rather than merely correlate with, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Dr. Paul Mills of University of California San Diego corroborated this link in his 2019 study, showing that NAFLD now affects one in three Americans, an increase from one in four in his earlier 2015 research.

Dr. Perro concluded that glyphosate is the driving force behind the current epidemic of fatty liver disease, with far-reaching implications for children’s health.

What about Canadian Children?

One third of children with obesity are affected by Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

When NAFLD occurs in children, it is referred to as Metabolic Associated Liver Disease (MALD). In Canada, 30% of children are classified as obese, meaning that approximately one third of these children are statistically likely to experience liver toxicity.

Fatty liver disease remains largely under diagnosed and under recognized in children. Alarmingly, it is not limited to those with obesity, about 8% of lean children are also affected by NAFLD, highlighting its prevalence across different weight categories.

Concerns and Health Challenges for Canadian Children

Dr. Perro testified about the connections between children’s diets, environmental toxicants, vaccines, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases in childhood.

Genetically Modified Food (GMO)

She highlighted that canola oil, a major Canadian agricultural product second only to wheat, is predominantly genetically modified (GMO) or contaminated with glyphosate. The exception is Prince Edward Island, which produces a non-GMO variant of canola that is exclusively exported to Japan.

Dr. Perro emphasized that canola is not a healthy crop and advised against consuming canola oil or other GMO products produced by industrialized chemical farming. She called for a shift away from mono-cropping practices, noting that agribusiness systems were historically developed by influential entities like the Rockefellers. She explained that glyphosate, introduced in the 1950s as a metal cleaner and chelator, was later repurposed as an herbicide after its weed killing properties were discovered.

Advocating for environmental health, Dr. Perro urged a return to traditional, nutrient rich diets to promote overall well-being. She emphasized the importance of a healthy microbiome for both physical and neurological health. She also raised concerns about the alarming rise in cancers, including skyrocketing rates of cancer in dogs and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in humans.

Dr. Perro referenced the first study on GMOs and their associated pesticides, conducted by Dr. Arpad Pusztai and published in 1998. This research demonstrated harm in areas such as immune function, reproduction, and intestinal health, including leaky gut syndrome. Dr. Pusztai later released a documentary titled Scientist Under Attack, sharing his findings. However, he faced significant professional backlash and vilification for his work.

Dr. Perro pointed out that scientists who challenge prevailing narratives about GMOs often face persecution, which discourages further research in this area. She reiterated the critical point that consuming GMOs invariably means exposure to their associated glyphosate-based herbicides, posing additional health risks.

Glyphosate Herbicides

Dr. Perro noted that there are currently 800 different formulations of glyphosate based herbicides used worldwide, far beyond the well known product Roundup. In Canada, glyphosate is being aerially sprayed at levels comparable to those in the United States.

The use of glyphosate based herbicides extends beyond agriculture. These chemicals are sprayed not only on crops but also on road medians, hospitals, parks, and even schools. Additionally, Canada’s forests are subjected to aerial spraying overseen by Fish and Game authorities, though the process lacks transparency. No comprehensive Canadian data exists on the volume of chemicals sprayed in forests. Dr. Perro mentioned a colleague researching the impact of this practice on wildlife, noting an increase in cancers and deformities among animals. Alarmingly, 75% of weeds are now resistant to glyphosate, prompting institutions to turn to more toxic alternatives, such as 2,4-D.

Dr. Perro stressed that children worldwide are increasingly unhealthy. She has studied populations in China, South Africa, Canada, and the United States, finding consistent health challenges. Even Amish children, who traditionally experience better health outcomes, are not immune. The Amish community has begun using herbicides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), leading to noticeable health declines.

Glyphosate is also present in vaccines, alongside other concerning components like mercury, aluminum, polyethylene glycol (PEG), aborted fetal tissue, and dog kidney cells. The long-term implications of glyphosate exposure are particularly troubling, as the chemical is known to destroy the infant microbiome. This risk is amplified when infants are exposed to multiple vaccine doses during their first year of life.

In 2024, children in Canada are scheduled to receive 78 vaccines, with the addition of mRNA-based vaccines to the schedule for all age groups. These mRNA vaccines come with untested biosafety concerns. Dr. Perro emphasized the synergistic dangers of glyphosate and aluminum, the latter being used as an adjuvant in vaccines to stimulate the immune system. The combined presence of these substances poses a significant risk to children’s health and well-being.

Dr. Perro, referencing a research paper by Dr. Stephanie Seneff, explained the relationship between glyphosate and aluminum. Glyphosate promotes the growth of the bacterium Clostridium difficile, which produces a compound called p-Cresol. This compound facilitates the uptake of aluminum by cells and is recognized as a biomarker for autism. P-Cresol is also implicated in kidney disease, which can lead to aluminum retention and subsequent cognitive changes. Glyphosate further exacerbates this issue by enabling aluminum to cross the blood-brain barrier. Research papers from 1986 and 2009 have raised concerns about potential links between aluminum exposure, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease. These papers also identified a connection between Tylenol usage and toxicity in children.

Industrial Chemicals / Metals

Dr. Perro also emphasized the widespread exposure of children to harmful substances, including industrial chemicals, processed food high in fructose corn syrup, sunscreens, DEET and other insect repellents, hazardous cleaning products, and hair products, all of which can adversely affect children’s developing systems.

Particularly troubling are the high levels of glyphosate found in gluten free products, posing significant risks for celiac and gluten intolerant children. Other food, such as legumes and wheat, were also identified as major sources of glyphosate exposure, impacting dietary choices for vegans and vegetarians.

Dr. Perro also raised concerns about Canadian children’s diets, noting the widespread contamination of convenience food in their lunch kits. These products are loaded with industrial chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, food colorants, and additives with no nutritional value. For example, an oatmeal cookie tested contained 263 parts per billion of glyphosate.

Dr. Perro urged parents to avoid heavily processed food typically found in the middle aisles of grocery stores and to prioritize home cooked meals made from scratch. Checking barcodes and ingredient labels, and buying organic whenever possible, can help reduce exposure.

Shockingly, 100% of Canadian children’s lunch kits tested contained toxic chemicals, with 95% showing glyphosate and other pesticide residues. Much of this food is wrapped in plastic, which leaches chemicals into the food when microwaved. Dr. Perro emphasized the urgency of addressing these pervasive toxins to protect children’s health.

Infant Formulas

Additionally, infant formulas tested were found to be contaminated with aluminum, lead, glyphosate, herbicides, and pesticides, highlighting the pervasive presence of harmful chemicals in products designed for the most vulnerable populations.

Dr. Perro emphasized the critical importance of breastfeeding, noting that 57% of Canadian mothers introduce formula to replace one or two daily feedings by the time their infants are six months old. She highlighted soy based formulas as particularly concerning due to high levels of glyphosate contamination. Additionally, many formulas, including those with genetically modified ingredients, contain high fructose corn syrup as the primary ingredient, which is linked to fatty liver disease and other health risks.

Dr. Perro referenced a study examining infant formulas purchased from common retailers in the USA, including Walmart, Amazon, Target, and Costco. The study tested for five specific metals and analyzed a total of 40 samples. Each baby formula underwent two separate tests. The tested products included formulas labeled as organic, as well as conventional cow and goat milk based formulas.

The study found that all tested formulas contained toxic levels of contaminants, with 100% of the samples showing the presence of aluminum at concentrations 4,000 to 40,000 times higher than any other metal. Additional contaminants included arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead. Alarmingly, every sample tested contained lead, a substance for which no safe exposure level exists. Moreover, 57% of the samples also contained mercury.

Breast Milk vs Baby Formula

Human breast milk contains over 200 oligosaccharides, which serve as vital nutrients for bifidobacteria. This role was highlighted at the Regina NCI hearings by expert witness Dr. Sabine Hazan, and Dr. Perro reaffirmed its importance during her testimony.

Dr. Perro explained the unique symbiosis between mother and baby during breastfeeding. When babies experience distress, they nurse more frequently. This process allows microbes from the baby to transfer back to the mother through “backwash,” enabling the mother to produce the specific microorganisms her baby needs. Dr. Perro described this as one of nature’s most remarkable relationships.

Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are essential for robust immunity in children, with bifidobacteria being particularly critical in infants. However, she noted that autism spectrum disorders, particularly those involving intellectual disabilities, are most prevalent in children whose mothers were exposed to glyphosate during pregnancy. Baby formulas, often high in glyphosate and GMOs, further compromise infants’ microbiomes, leading to disruptions in the brain-gut-vagus nerve connection, a factor associated with autism.

Dr. Perro also discussed glyphosate’s origin and its impact. Patented as an antibiotic by Monsanto (now Bayer) in 2003, glyphosate is highly effective at destroying the microbiome. However, this comes at a cost: it promotes harmful microbes such as Clostridia. Children with autism spectrum disorders often have high levels of Clostridial species. Dr. Perro likened glyphosate’s microbiome effects to those of antibiotics like amoxicillin, which can alter gut flora for six months, making recovery challenging. By the age of three, a child’s microbiome is largely established, leaving little room for correction.

Dr. Perro highlighted the role of the vagus nerve, the body’s longest nerve, which connects the gut and brain. Known as the "wandering nerve," it transmits information bidirectionally, including signals from microbes, toxins, and toxicants. A "leaky gut" often corresponds to a "leaky brain," facilitating the movement of harmful substances into the brain. Prenatal exposure to pesticides, including herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, poses significant risks. The average food item is subjected to six pesticides, including glyphosate-based herbicides. Dr. Perro stressed that no research exists on the synergistic effects of these combined exposures, compounding the risk.

She further explained that when companies study glyphosate, they typically assess the isolated chemical, not the full formulation found in products like Roundup. Glyphosate acts as a chelator, binding essential minerals and toxic metals alike. These stable chelates accumulate in the kidneys, creating toxic waste that can persist for years. Standard laboratory tests, which only measure glyphosate levels, often miss this buildup. Dr. Perro provided an example of a 50 year-old patient presenting with sudden renal failure after decades of consuming food treated with glyphosate based herbicides, despite believing they had followed a healthy diet.

How Do We Protect Our Canadian Children?

Dr Perro criticized regulatory failures and lack of transparency regarding food and vaccine safety. As part of her testimony, Dr Perro recommended a focus on whole food, no processed-food, organic diets, eating out less at fast food restaurants, reducing toxic exposure as methods to safeguard children’s health.

She urged parents to educate themselves on environmental health, using platforms like her website GMOscience.org and reading Dr Stephanie Seneff's and her own books.

Recommended Literature

• What’s Making Our Children Sick?

• The Toxic Legacy

• The Brain Drain

A Bitter Fog

• Dr Perro’s testimony reinforced the necessity of prioritizing children’s health through systemic changes in food systems, robust public health policies that focus on food safety and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals in schools and communities, along with increased education for parents and health practitioners plus a complete review of all vaccines and the vaccine schedule.

Dr Perro emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to safeguard children’s health, advocating for an integrative approach combining conventional and natural therapies.

She is also calling for actionable changes, including removing toxic substances like glyphosate from the food supply, improving parental awareness, and restoring traditional agricultural practices.

Dr Robert Dickson

Overview of Testimony

Dr. Robert Dickson, a family physician with over three decades of clinical experience, provided critical insights on the contentious issue of water fluoridation during the Vancouver NCI hearings. His testimony focused on the health risks associated with fluoridated water and chronicled his journey from a supporter to an outspoken critic of the practice. Dr. Dickson’s presentation emphasized systemic regulatory failures and the need for greater transparency and evidence-based policymaking to safeguard public health.

Drinking Water Treatment

Keeping our children safe in Canada, we need to assess drinking water toxicity. As with any toxin children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of polluted water due to their smaller developing bodies and higher water intake relative to body weight. Highlights of Dr Robert Dickson’s testimony delved into the contentious issue of water fluoridation and his journey from initial support to outspoken criticism.

Key Points of Testimony

Dr. Dickson described how, in 1998, he initially supported water fluoridation during a plebiscite in Calgary, Alberta. At the time, he relied on assurances from reputable organizations like Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Medical Association, which portrayed fluoridation as safe and beneficial for children’s dental health. However, at the urging of activist friends, he began to delve deeper into the underlying science. Within weeks, he encountered unsettling evidence that contradicted the prevailing narrative, leading him to question the safety and efficacy of fluoridation practices.

Scientific Evidence and Health Concerns

Dr. Dickson reviewed numerous studies linking fluoridation to significant health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children. Key concerns raised in his testimony included:

• Neurological Effects: Emerging research suggests a correlation between fluoride exposure and neuro-developmental issues, particularly in children.

• Endocrine Disruption: Fluoride has been implicated in disrupting thyroid function, which can have cascading effects on growth and metabolism.

• Skeletal Fluorosis: Prolonged exposure to fluoride can lead to skeletal damage, particularly in communities with high fluoride levels in drinking water.

Dr. Dickson emphasized the need for unbiased research and greater scrutiny of studies used to justify water fluoridation policies. He pointed out that many studies cited by fluoridation advocates are outdated or fail to account for cumulative exposure from multiple sources, such as toothpaste, processed food, and beverages.

Systemic Regulatory Failures

A major theme of Dr. Dickson’s testimony was the systemic failure of regulatory bodies to adequately protect the public from the risks of fluoridation. He argued that public health policies often rely on incomplete or biased data, leading to decisions that do not prioritize safety. Dr. Dickson called for:

• Comprehensive risk assessments of fluoride exposure from all sources.

• Transparent decision-making processes that involve independent scientists and community stakeholders.

• Regular monitoring of fluoride levels in drinking water and public reporting of findings.

Dr. Dickson’s testimony underscores the need for a paradigm shift in how public health policies are formulated and implemented. The evidence he presented highlights the potential harm of water fluoridation, particularly for children, whose developing bodies are more susceptible to environmental toxins. The lack of robust regulatory oversight and transparency further compounds the issue, eroding public trust in health authorities.

Conclusion

The testimonies from the NCI Vancouver Hearings reveal an alarming toxic environment that threatens Canadian children’s health and development. Chronic conditions like autism, asthma, obesity, and NAFLD are rising at alarming rates, driven by dietary, environmental, and societal factors. Water pollution, including the fluoridation of drinking water, adds another layer of complexity to this public health crisis. Without systemic change, these toxic exposures will continue to undermine children’s health and long-term potential.

Recommendations

Based on Dr. Perro’s testimony, the following measures are recommended to address the concerns raised:

Systemic Reforms:

1. Ban glyphosate and other harmful chemicals from food production, including aluminum, mercury, cadmium and lead.

• Increase transparency and data collection on environmental and dietary toxins.

• Ensure that every baby formula contains NO glyphosate and harmful chemicals like aluminum, mercury, cadmium and lead.

• Ensure that every vaccines contains NO glyphosate and harmful chemicals like aluminum, mercury, cadmium and lead.

2. Dietary Interventions:

• Promote organic, whole food diets and reduce reliance on processed food.

• Advocate for breastfeeding and the reduction of the use of infant formula.

Public Education:

3. Launch campaigns to educate parents about environmental and dietary toxins.

• Encourage traditional, nutrient rich diets and sustainable farming practices.

• Teach Nutrition and agriculture in schools for children to learn how to grow and cook their own food to be healthy.

4. Regulatory Improvements:

• Strengthen oversight of pesticides, vaccines, and chemical additives.

• Mandate rigorous evaluations of chemical safety in food and water.

5. Research and Monitoring:

• Support independent studies on the health impacts of chemical exposures.

• Monitor long-term outcomes of environmental and dietary interventions.

By implementing these measures, Canada can mitigate the toxic assault on its children and create a safer, healthier environment for future generations.

Based on Dr. Dickson’s testimony, the following measures are recommended to address the concerns raised:

6. Suspension of Fluoridation Programs:

• Stop water fluoridation as the risks to health are higher than the benefits.

• Fluoride should be banned in every products as the risks outweighs a lot the benefits that are almost inexistent. It is a toxic waste.

7. Enhance Public Awareness:

• Launch educational campaigns to inform the public about the potential risks associated with fluoride exposure.

These recommendations underscore the urgent need to protect children from harmful environmental exposures by reforming food, water, and healthcare policies. Grounded in expert testimony, they call for the elimination of toxic substances such as glyphosate and fluoride, the promotion of nutrient-rich, organic diets, and greater public education on environmental health. Through stronger regulation, informed awareness, and holistic prevention strategies, Canada can foster a healthier future for its children.