I am a biology researcher…

I am a biology researcher from McMaster University, Hamilton. I have shown the impacts of air pollution on mice and birds. In past decades, prior to some of our current toxic substance regulations, colonial nesting birds with teratogenic deformities were very common in the harbour. With increased regulation and improvements by heavy industry, these most obvious impacts were reduced and are now very rare. However, recent studies by my lab group have shown genetic mutation rate increases in birds and mammals living near active steel mills. These are caused by breathable particulate from industrial sources. From this work, I am very aware of the need to better control actions by industries. This bill relaxes controls. This is moving the needle in the wrong direction. Toxic chemical impacts not only lessen the quality of life for people and other species, but increase hospital and other costs. For most people and species, this bill and its efforts to loosen regulations is a lose-lose proposition.