Footprints & Impacts Podcast

EHAC-ASEC and ASEQ-EHAQ
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A podcast where we uncover how the environment shapes our health and well-being. Whether you’re curious about how chemicals in your surroundings affect you, or you are looking for practical ways to live a healthier life, you’re in the right place. Brought to you by the Environmental Health Association of Canada and the Environmental Health Association of Québec, this podcast shines a light on multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), the importance of healthy, least toxic product choices and what it means for those navigating this disability where over 1 million Canadians have a diagnosis of MCS. We're here to raise awareness, offer resources for accessibility, prevention and build a healthier, inclusive community. Let's explore how our footprints leave a lasting impact on our health and our planet. This Podcast is part of the Empowering Community and Removal of Barriers project, funded in part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program, Disability Component.

Episodes

  1. 12/08/2025

    Managing Exposures for Better Health: Lived MCS Experience with Teresa Peters

    Send us a text From Toxic Collapse to Managing Exposures: Teresa Peters on her experience with MCS. What if the body’s greatest breakdown could become the beginning of its greatest achievement?  In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we welcome Teresa Peters, whose life was radically transformed at just 22 years old after a simple dose of headache medicine triggered a cascade of severe illness — asthma, autoimmune disease, thyroid dysfunction, depression, and years of debilitating suffering. It would take decades before Teresa understood she was living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). But her story doesn’t end with illness.  Through relentless determination, self-education, and radical lifestyle changes — eliminating fragrances, food additives, sugar, and embracing organic whole foods — Teresa began to manage her symptoms. At 71, she now lives with joy, clarity, and freedom from most of her former symptoms, sharing her message through her blog, “What I Have Healed — You Can Too.”  Teresa’s message is one of resilience and empowerment.  For anyone feeling stuck, invisible, or overwhelmed by illness — this conversation is a reminder that managing symptoms is possible, and that avoidance of triggers can lead to better health.  EHAC-ASEC : https://ehac-asec.ca/  ASEQ-EHAQ : https://aseq-ehaq.ca/en/  Teresa Peters Blog : https://www.imagesbytk.com/post/i-hope-this-information-helps-you-heal This video discusses practical strategies for managing exposures and improving well-being for people living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Symptom improvement in MCS occurs primarily when environmental exposures are identified and reduced. The information shared here is intended to support safety and self-advocacy and should not be interpreted as medical advice or as suggesting that MCS can be addressed through mindset or willpower alone. Support the show With the Participation of : ECRoB Project - Funded in Part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program, Disability Component.

    50 min

  2. 09/24/2025

    MCS and Human Rights: Missed Opportunities and the Road Ahead with Paul-Claude Bérubé, LLB

    Send us a text MCS and Human Rights: Missed Opportunities and the Road Ahead Why does Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a medical condition where over one million Canadians have a diagnosis, remain marginalized compared to other disabilities? And what will it take to finally secure recognition, rights, and justice? In this episode of Footprints & Impacts, we sit down with Me Paul-Claude Bérubé, newly appointed Executive Director of COPHAN and longtime international disability rights advocate. Together, we explore: Why MCS has been left behind despite decades of global disability advocacy. Where Canada and other nations “missed the boat” on recognition and protection How governments are failing to uphold their responsibilities under international human rights law. What lessons Canada can learn from countries taking the lead, and from the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). With insights drawn from decades of advocacy across continents, this conversation sheds light on the systemic gaps that exclude people with MCS—and the urgent actions needed to create inclusive, fragrance-free, accessible spaces. Whether you’re part of the MCS community, an ally, or someone learning about it for the first time, this episode will challenge you to rethink disability rights through the lens of clean, healthy air and justice. EHAC-ASEC : https://ehac-asec.ca/ ASEQ-EHAQ : https://aseq-ehaq.ca/en/ Support the show With the Participation of : ECRoB Project - Funded in Part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program, Disability Component.

    49 min

  3. 09/24/2025

    La SCM et les droits humains : occasions manquées et chemin à parcourir avec Me Paul-Claude Bérubé

    Send us a text La SCM et les droits humains : occasions manquées et chemin à parcourir. Pourquoi la Sensibilité Chimique Multiple (SCM), une condition médicale pour laquelle plus d’un million de Canadiens ont reçu un diagnostic, reste-t-elle marginalisée par rapport aux autres handicaps? Et que faudra-t-il pour obtenir enfin reconnaissance, droits et justice? Dans cet épisode d'Empreintes & Impacts, nous recevons Me Paul-Claude Bérubé, nouveau directeur général de la COPHAN et ardent défenseur des droits des personnes handicapées depuis plusieurs décennies à l’échelle internationale. Ensemble, nous explorons : Pourquoi la SCM a été laissée de côté malgré des décennies de plaidoyer pour les droits des personnes handicapées. Où le Canada et d’autres pays ont « manqué le bateau » en matière de reconnaissance et de protection. Comment les gouvernements manquent à leurs responsabilités en vertu du droit international des droits humains. Les leçons que le Canada peut tirer des pays qui montrent l’exemple, ainsi que de la Convention relative aux droits des personnes handicapées (CRPD) et des évaluations des Nations Unies. Avec des perspectives issues de décennies d’engagement sur plusieurs continents, cette conversation met en lumière les failles systémiques qui excluent les personnes vivant avec la SCM — et les actions urgentes à entreprendre pour créer des espaces accessibles, sans fragrances et véritablement inclusifs. Que vous fassiez partie de la communauté SCM, que vous soyez un allié ou que vous découvriez ce sujet pour la première fois, cet épisode vous invite à repenser les droits des personnes handicapées sous l’angle de l’air sain et de la justice. EHAC-ASEC : https://ehac-asec.ca/ ASEQ-EHAQ : https://aseq-ehaq.ca/en/ Support the show With the Participation of : ECRoB Project - Funded in Part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program, Disability Component.

    46 min
  4. Environmental Health & MCS : The Hidden Impact of Toxins with Dr. Caroline Barakat

    02/20/2025

    Environmental Health & MCS : The Hidden Impact of Toxins with Dr. Caroline Barakat

    Send us a text In this insightful episode of Footprints & Impacts, we sit down with Dr. Caroline Barakat, an Associate Professor specializing in Environmental and Occupational Health at Ontario Tech University.  With expertise in air pollution, toxin exposure and public health, Dr. Barakat sheds light on the often-overlooked connections between environmental exposures and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). We explore the long-term health effects of pollution, how chemicals in everyday products contribute to health issues, and the systemic barriers faced by individuals with MCS. Dr. Barakat also discusses the importance of policy change, public awareness, and reducing toxic exposures to create safer environments for all. This conversation is more important than ever as we approach RESILIENCE 2025: The First Annual International Conference on MCS, taking place virtually on May 1-2, 2025.  This groundbreaking event will bring together scientists, advocates, policymakers, and individuals with MCS to drive awareness, research and action. 🔗 Learn more & register: https://aseq-ehaq.ca/en/resiliencemcsconference/ Join us for a compelling conversation on the intersection of environmental health, advocacy, and the urgent need for action. EHAC-ASEC : https://ehac-asec.ca/ ASEQ-EHAQ : https://aseq-ehaq.ca/en/ Support the show With the Participation of : ECRoB Project - Funded in Part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program, Disability Component.

    39 min

  5. 01/20/2025

    Living with MCS: Renu Bakshi’s Journey from Struggle to Advocacy

    Send us a text In this powerful episode of Footprints & Impacts, we speak with Renu Bakshi, a former journalist and anchor, who now works as a media trainer and crisis manager, about her deeply personal experience with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).  Renu shares the challenges of living with this often misunderstood and invisible disability, including stigma, lack of support and the struggles she’s faced both personally and professionally. Despite these challenges, Renu has transformed her experience into advocacy, using her platform to raise awareness about MCS and fight for better understanding, accommodations, and support. From her work in human rights to the crucial role the media plays in elevating awareness, Renu offers valuable insights on how we can all be part of the change. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the intersection of environmental health, workplace inclusion, and the urgent need for greater empathy and understanding of MCS. EHAC-ASEC : https://ehac-asec.ca/ ASEQ-EHAQ : https://aseq-ehaq.ca/en/ Renu Bakshi : https://renubakshi.com/ Support the show With the Participation of : ECRoB Project - Funded in Part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program, Disability Component.

    41 min
  6. Droits Légaux et Défense des droits des personnes atteintes de Sensibilité Chimique Multiple avec Lila Refaie.

    12/20/2024

    Droits Légaux et Défense des droits des personnes atteintes de Sensibilité Chimique Multiple avec Lila Refaie.

    Send us a text Dans cet épisode d’Empreintes et Impacts, nous accueillons Lila Refaie, avocate bilingue au ARCH Centre de Droit des Personnes Handicapées, pour discuter des défis juridiques rencontrés par les personnes atteintes de Sensibilité Chimique Multiple (SCM). Lila partage son expertise en matière de droits des personnes handicapées, y compris les protections juridiques dont bénéficient les personnes atteintes de SCM en vertu de la Loi canadienne et ontarienne sur les droits de la personne. Nous abordons les accommodements en milieu de travail et l'importance des politiques sans parfum, ainsi que la manière dont la loi peut soutenir les personnes atteintes de SCM pour surmonter les obstacles à l'accessibilité et à l'inclusion. Écoutez cet épisode pour un approfondissement sur l'intersection entre le droit des personnes handicapées et la santé environnementale, avec des conseils pratiques sur la manière dont les individus peuvent défendre leurs droits. Cet épisode est également disponible en français, grâce à l'engagement de Lila pour l'accessibilité. EHAC-ASEC : https://ehac-asec.ca/ ASEQ-EHAQ : https://aseq-ehaq.ca/en/ ARCH Disability Law Centre : https://archdisabilitylaw.ca/  Support the show With the Participation of : ECRoB Project - Funded in Part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program, Disability Component.

    1h 3m

  7. 12/20/2024

    Legal Rights and Advocacy for People with MCS with Lila Refaie.

    Send us a text Legal Rights and Advocacy for People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) with Lila Refaie. In this episode of Footprints & Impacts, we are joined by Lila Refaie, Bilingual Staff Lawyer at the ARCH Disability Law Centre to discuss the legal challenges faced by individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Lila shares her expertise on disability rights, including the legal protections available to people with MCS under the Canadian and Ontario Human Rights Act.  We explore workplace accommodations and the importance of scent-free policies, as well as how the law can support those with MCS in overcoming barriers to accessibility and inclusion. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of disability law and environmental health, with practical insights on how individuals can advocate for their rights. This episode is also available in French, thanks to Lila's dedication to accessibility. Support the show With the Participation of : ECRoB Project - Funded in Part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program, Disability Component.

    1h 12m

  8. 11/20/2024

    Toxic Truth - Understanding Environmental Health and MCS with Dr. John Molot

    Send us a text In this special episode, we’re diving deep into the connection between human health and our ecosystem, focusing on the effects of environmental toxins and their impact on the body. We’ll also be exploring Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) — a condition that’s often misunderstood but increasingly recognized as a disability, characterized by heightened sensitivity to chemicals and toxins in everyday life. Joining us in this episode is Dr. John Molot, an expert in environmental health and a leading advocate for MCS awareness. With his extensive background in medicine and environmental research, Dr. Molot will share his insights on the development of MCS, its symptoms, challenges faced by those living with the condition, and ways to better manage and support individuals with MCS. Support the show With the Participation of : ECRoB Project - Funded in Part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program, Disability Component.

    49 min

  9. 11/06/2024

    Navigating MCS: History, Experiences and Future Aspirations of EHAC-ASEC & ASEQ-EHAQ

    Send us a text In this enlightening first episode, Rohini Peris and Rosa Iacono share their personal journeys with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and delve into the impactful work of the Environmental Health Associations of Québec and Canada. They discuss the association's history, mission and current initiatives aimed at supporting individuals with MCS.  Listeners will gain insights into the importance of education, support, collaboration in raising awareness and shaping public policy. Join us as we explore the challenges faced by those with MCS and the hopeful vision for an inclusive and healthier future. Support the show With the Participation of : ECRoB Project - Funded in Part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program, Disability Component.

    56 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

A podcast where we uncover how the environment shapes our health and well-being. Whether you’re curious about how chemicals in your surroundings affect you, or you are looking for practical ways to live a healthier life, you’re in the right place. Brought to you by the Environmental Health Association of Canada and the Environmental Health Association of Québec, this podcast shines a light on multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), the importance of healthy, least toxic product choices and what it means for those navigating this disability where over 1 million Canadians have a diagnosis of MCS. We're here to raise awareness, offer resources for accessibility, prevention and build a healthier, inclusive community. Let's explore how our footprints leave a lasting impact on our health and our planet. This Podcast is part of the Empowering Community and Removal of Barriers project, funded in part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program, Disability Component.

Information

  • Creator
    EHAC-ASEC and ASEQ-EHAQ
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Footprints & Impacts Podcast
  • Show Website
    Footprints & Impacts Podcast