connection May 1997

Nova Scotia Environmental Health Centre Officially Opens

The Nova Scotia Environmental Health Centre, the only health-care facility of its kind in the world, was officially opened in a ceremony in Fall River on Friday, May 2.

The official opening was an exciting and long-awaited day for the Centre's 700 patients who suffer from environmental sensitivities. And with over 1,100 people on a waiting list, the need for this clean, safe facility is very real.

Dean John Ruedy hosted the event at the Inn-on-the-Lake in Fall River. The Dalhousie Medical School has provided project management resources for the Centre, which is funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Health. Also participating in the ceremony were Nova Scotia Health Minister Bernie Boudreau, and the area's MLA, Francene Cosman. Theresa Thomas, Chair of the Patient Advisory Committee which helped select materials for the new facility, spoke on the patients' behalf.

"Nova Scotia is at the forefront in Canada of research and treatment of patients with multiple chemical sensitivity," said Minister Boudreau. "It is my hope that the work of the Centre will go a long way to ease suffering and to unlock some of the mysteries of this illness."

The Department of Health paid for the $2.2 million construction of the Centre, which included renovations and the purchase of office and clinical equipment. The Department also pays to operate the Centre, with $1 million in funding this year.

Dr. Roy Fox is the Director of the Nova Scotia Environmental Health Centre. He says helping people affected by environmental sensitivities and preventing decline into illness is dependent upon two things: "We have to understand the etiology and natural history of the various disorders, and validate the diagnostic treatment methods. We have already begun this process under the guidance of our research director, Dr. Michel Joffres."

"We're doing something truly unique here in Nova Scotia," says Dr. Joffres. "We're providing treatment and research in the same building. Having the first facility of this kind in the world gives us an edge. Our mission is to become a national resource providing leadership in the prevention and treatment of people with environmental sensitivities."

Although most environmentally sensitive patients avoid new buildings for up to two years after construction because of the many gasses and toxins still present, the new Environmental Health Centre will be a safe haven for them immediately. Bill Nycum, President of William Nycum and Associates, the architectural firm that designed the facility, gave a video tour of the new Centre at the official opening. He explained the materials, procedures and the careful measures taken during construction to ensure the building is a completely "clean" environment.

The 8,500 square-foot building is sub-divided into zones based on the degree of cleanliness and/or potential for activities to adversely affect air quality. Hard, non-porous clay tiles, glass blocks, and glazed ceramic blocks ensure a non-toxic environment in examination rooms. An off-gassing procedure took place before furnishings or equipment were installed, and a state-of-the-art air handling system, monitored at all times, provides the option for outside air ventilation or recirculation throughout the different zones.

William Nycum & Associates worked closely with HI-Q Developments Ltd. of Lower Sackville, which rigorously tested all construction materials to ensure they did not cause reactions, even with the most sensitive patients.