Welcome to the MIREC
Study participants page

Thanks to you we are able to better
understand the effects of environmental
chemicals on human development and health

Update your information

Were you part
of the MIREC
Study?

If so, you are part of a unique cohort of 2000 women and children across Canada who have contributed to one of the largest studies on environmental chemical exposure. Very few studies in the world have followed this many mothers and children to research levels of exposure to chemicals during pregnancy and early life, and monitored the effects of those chemicals on their health later in life.

The data we have collected over the past 15 years have had a significant impact on federal policies and health research. MIREC is as important as it is ambitious,however its duration over time poses particular challenges that require the sustained commitment of our participants.

To go further, we need your help. Your continued participation allows MIREC researchers to improve the health of our communities.

Discover the impact
of your contribution 

With your help, our team of researchers have made some important
discoveries, allowing us to better understand the effects of
environmental chemicals on our health.

Important markers

We have measured over 300 different markers of environmental chemical exposure, nutrition and health.

 

Rare Canadian data

We have generated the only Canadian data on environmental chemical exposure in pregnant people for many chemicals.

 

Federal influence

We have contributed to governmental risk assessments for over 20 different chemicals.

 

The impact of environmental chemical exposure

We have addressed questions about the potential links between environmental chemical exposure and key pregnancy complications and birth outcomes. We have also examined how these links differ by child sex.

 

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Participants  in
10 Canadian cities

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Researchers
from a network of 
Canadian and foreign
universities

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Scientific
publications

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Biospecimens stored in one
of the largest mother-child
Biobanks ever created

Generating useful data to
better inform decision-making
and legislative guidelines

The data you have contributed is key to understanding the effects of environmental chemicals on human health and development. The MIREC Research Platform is already a reference that can be used in various contexts:

  • The Canadian Chemicals Management Plan
  • Drinking water guidelines
  • Pesticide risk assessments
  • Tailored MIREC questionnaires to meet data needs of Tobacco, WAQB, HPFB, Consumer Products Safety, Contaminated Sites, Environmental Health Surveillance
  • Collaborated with HPFB to update human milk survey using MIREC samples

You help us go further!

We ended recruitment for MIREC-ENDO
Phase 2 in March 2024. Our heartfelt thanks go
out to all who were able to take part. In 2024,
MIREC-ENDO researchers will begin analyzing the
wealth of data you have provided. We will also
finalize the planning of Phase 3, which is set to
begin at the end of 2024. 

Elevate your Impact
by joining Phase 2 of
MIREC-ENDO today

As a MIREC participant, you are better suited than anyone to help us advance science and have a direct positive impact on millions of people. Your lasting commitment is key to increasing our understanding of the effects of chemical contaminants on health and helping to develop legislation to better protect us. Enroll in MIREC-ENDO today!

What can your
participation lead to?

Important markers

We have measured over 300 different markers of environmental chemical exposure, nutrition and health.

 

Rare Canadian data

We have generated the only Canadian data on environmental chemical exposure in pregnant people for many chemicals.

 

Federal influence

We have contributed to governmental risk assessments for over 20 different chemicals.

 

The impact of environmental chemical exposure

We have addressed questions about the potential links between environmental chemical exposure and key pregnancy complications and birth outcomes. We have also examined how these links differ by child sex.

 

A few of the hundreds
of chemicals under
investigation…

Environmental chemicals are present in a wide variety of consumer products. In many cases, their effects on human health have not been thoroughly documented. 

The MIREC Research Platform analyzes hundreds of chemicals present in our environment to better understand their impact on human development and health. Here are a few examples.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastics. They are used in a wide variety of consumer products including cosmetics, lotions, fragrances and hair care products. Certain phthalates can pose a health and environmental risk. Therefore, it’s important to understand what products can contain phthalates to manage your individual exposure.

Learn more

Triclosan

Triclosan is a versatile chemical found in a wide range of household products. It’s used to stop the growth of bacteria, fungus and mildew, as well as prevent odour. Triclosan can be found in a variety of personal care products including toothpaste, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, mouthwash and face makeup. Canada’s Chemical Management Plan assesses and manages the risks associated with triclosan, however individual action can lower your overall exposure.

Learn more

Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used in consumer goods for over 40 years. It is primarily used in the production of hard clear plastic known as polycarbonate. It is also used as an ingredient in other materials such as thermal paper and the liner of some food and drink cans. While Canada’s Chemical Management Plan assesses and manages the risks associated with this chemical, it is possible to reduce your exposure by understanding which products may contain BPA.

Learn more

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

PFAS are a group of human-made substances that are used in a wide range of products such as lubricants, cosmetics, surfactants, firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, food packaging materials, repellents, and textiles. Adverse health effects have been observed for some PFAS, and they have been shown to pose a risk to the Canadian environment.

Learn more

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Let's keep in touch, it's critical to the
success of the study

 Update your contact information today!

The MIREC Study takes place over an extended period of time, which is one of the factors that make the study so valuable. One of our greatest challenges is to stay in touch with our  participants. Help us keep in contact with you by updating your contact information.

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