“Toxic Trespass” Examines Pollution Danger to Children

OTTAWA, May 28 – A sobering new documentary – Toxic Trespass – is bringing to light some of the dangers industrial chemicals and environmental degradation are having on our most precious resource, our children.

Screened publicly for the first time in Ottawa at the University of Ottawa this afternoon, Toxic Trespass focuses on public perception of toxicological issues, such as air pollution in Windsor, birth-rate problems in the Native reserve of Aamjiwnaang near Sarnia, and pesticides. “There has been an explosion of information on the connection between toxins and serious health problems,” said Dorothy Goldin Rosenberg, MES, PhD, Environmental Health educator at the University of Toronto and one of the film’s executive producers. “Toxic Trespass is another voice that aims to spur further discussion and action so that we may effectively address the pollution-related cancers that are affecting so many Canadians.”

In Toxic Trespass, filmmaker Barri Cohen launches an investigation into the effects of chemicals, starting with her 10-year-old daughter, whose blood carries carcinogens like benzene and the long-banned DDT. Cohen then heads out to Windsor and Sarnia: Canadian toxic hotspots, with startling clusters of deadly diseases. The film introduces viewers to activists, doctors and scientists working for positive change, as well alarming roadblocks along the way.

Toxic Trespass is accompanied by a comprehensive guidebook for educators, activists and concerned citizens, produced by the Women’s Healthy Environment Network.

Toxic Trespass was recently awarded the Writers Guild of Canada Screenwriters Award for Best Documentary 2008 and has been featured at film and video festivals in Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Yorkton, as well in Flagstaff, Arizona and Paris, France.

For further information: Carole Anne Piccinin, (613) 731-8610 Ext. 2447, 1-800-663-7336 Ext. 2447