Empowering Women in the Middle East for Sustainable Chemical and Waste Management

by Elham Refaat Abdel Aziz, ELROWAD, Egypt

In today's world, our homes are increasingly filled with a myriad of chemicals and toxins that can have profound impacts on the health and development of our little ones. It is up to women to take the lead in identifying and eliminating these hidden dangers to create a true haven for our children.

The Unseen Threats in Our Homes 

From the cleaning products we use to the furniture and electronics we bring into our living spaces; a vast array of common household items contains toxic substances that can have detrimental effects on our children's health.

Women's Pivotal Role in Creating Safe and Toxin-Free Homes for Children. 

As primary caretakers and decision-makers in many households, women hold a crucial responsibility in safeguarding their families, especially young children, from the perils of toxic chemicals lurking in common household products. Children are particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of these hazardous substances, which can lead to a host of health issues, from developmental delays to cancer. Fortunately, women are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change and create toxin-free havens for their loved ones. Through their vigilance, research, and proactive measures, women can significantly reduce children's exposure to harmful chemicals and foster a healthier, safer living environment.

The first step in this journey is to become well-versed in the various toxins that may be present in the home. These include phthalates in plastics, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cleaning products, heavy metals like lead and mercury, pesticides, flame retardants, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Armed with this knowledge, women can carefully audit their household items, evaluating each product for potential toxins and seeking out safer alternatives. This diligence extends to personal care products, furniture, and even the very building materials used in their homes. Once the sources of toxins have been identified, women can take proactive steps to minimize their family's exposure. This may involve switching to green cleaning methods, using natural personal care products, and carefully managing home renovations and pest control to avoid the use of hazardous chemicals.

Proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials are also crucial, as is ensuring adequate ventilation and air filtration to address the buildup of VOCs and other airborne pollutants. Families can further reduce their toxin exposure by choosing organic, unprocessed foods and minimizing the use of plastics, especially for food storage and children's toys. Engaging the entire family is essential for creating a truly safe and toxin-free home. By educating children about the importance of avoiding harmful chemicals and involving them in the implementation of toxin-reduction steps, women can foster a sense of shared responsibility and ownership.

This holistic approach not only protects children's health but also instills valuable lifelong habits and a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. In the face of growing concerns over the ubiquity of toxic chemicals in our homes, women's leadership and dedication to creating safe, healthy environments for their families have never been more crucial. By leveraging their role as primary caregivers and decision-makers, women can drive meaningful change and safeguard the well-being of generations to come.

Addressing Household Toxins

For the first time, the Ministry of Environment in Egypt has shifted its focus from chemicals in industrial settings like factories, hospitals, and laboratories, to addressing the alarming prevalence of toxins within our own homes. This pivotal move was catalyzed by the publication of the booklet "Beware of Toxins in Your Home," which has had a profound impact on raising awareness among mothers and children across the community.

The comprehensive booklet provides detailed information on the types of household products that contain harmful chemicals, their various uses, and crucially, how to properly store and dispose of these hazardous materials. Recognizing that children are particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of indoor toxins, the booklet also offers guidance on limiting their exposure. The launch of this groundbreaking resource has sparked widespread engagement and participation from local community groups and civil society organizations. Mothers, empowered with this newfound knowledge, have become champions of change, to eliminate toxic substances from their homes and create safer, healthier environments for their families.

With over 36 years of hands-on experience in waste and materials management at the Ministry of Environment of Egypt, I've had the privilege of spearheading numerous impactful projects, collaborating with international organizations to drive real change. One of my proudest achievements was leading surveys across the country that helped identify and safely dispose of 175 tons of contaminated oil and hazardous equipment. In partnership with KOICA, I also managed the Integrated Management of Mercury, ensuring that even everyday items like fluorescent lamps were disposed of safely. But my work didn’t stop there—I’ve trained over 2,000 individuals, from students to civil society members, on the importance of proper chemical and waste management. Through these efforts, we’re not just reducing toxins; we’re fostering a culture of sustainability, where recycling and safe disposal practices become second nature.

About Elham

Elham Refaat Abdel Aziz is an Environmental Expert with 36 years of experience specializing in hazardous substances and waste management. She has successfully developed and implemented sustainable environmental policies that promote responsible resource management and reduce human impact on the environment. She is passionate about environmental training and awareness, particularly for diverse groups including communities, youth, and women. She has authored numerous newspaper articles highlighting the critical role of women in hazardous substances management, especially in protecting children from household pollutants.