Environmental Health Hazards
The Environmental Health team responds to complaints of health hazards in public spaces as well provides education and consultation regarding potential health hazards.
What we do
Some of Northwestern Health Unit’s (NWHU) environmental health hazard services include:
Sun safety
Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to sunburns, skin damage, wrinkles and skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada, and it is preventable. Here are some sun safety tips:
- Limit your risk by enjoying the sun safely. Limit time in the sun when the UV Index is 3 or higher, usually between 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
- Find some shade! If you are going somewhere without shade, bring an umbrella or pop-up shelter. Wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible, or wear UV-protective clothing. A hat with a wide brim is recommended.
- Use plenty of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more and don’t forget to re-apply after swimming, sweating, or towelling. Only use sunscreen on children that are over 6 months of age.
- Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is important to protect your eyes from the sun.
Built environment
The built environment is anything in our physical environment that is human-created. It includes obvious things like buildings, parks and neighbourhoods, but it also refers to land use patterns and transportation systems.
The built environment around us has a direct impact on our health. NWHU advocates for healthy built environments in our communities, and will consult with municipalities on different topics including:
- Healthy community design
- Land use planning
- Walkable and transit-supportive communities
- Climate change impacts
- Green spaces
- Active and transit transportation
- Pedestrian, cyclist and motorist safety
- Affordable housing
Mould
Indoor mould can grow on or in anything. It needs a damp condition to grow and is commonly found in basements, kitchens or bathrooms. Individuals who are sensitive to mould may experience allergic reactions such as asthma, and other allergy-type symptoms including sometimes a rash. Chronic or severe exposure to mould can produce symptoms like eye, skin, nose and throat irritation, headaches, poor concentration and fatigue.
NWHU will respond to complaints of mould in a public space or building. If you are concerned about mould in a public space or building, call 1-800-830-5978 or email talkpublichealth@nwhu.on.ca.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on blood while people are sleeping. Bed bugs and bed bug infestations are not a health hazard as they do not transmit disease. However, people dealing with bed bugs can suffer from stress and anxiety. Treatment can also be very expensive.
If you think you might have found a bed bug, but aren’t sure, a public health inspector can look at it and try to make an identification. NWHU will also provide information on treatment options. Call 1-800-830-5978 or email talkpublichealth@nwhu.on.ca. A licensed pest control company can also help.
Radon
Radon is a dangerous gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium that you can find in rocks and soil. It gets into basements through cracks, pipes, and drains. Over time, radon can build up and when someone breathes it in, it can lead to lung cancer.
You can test for radon using a testing kit from a hardware store or home improvement store. You should test for it over a period of at least 3 months. If you are concerned about radon in your home or apartment, call 1-800-830-5978 or email talkpublichealth@nwhu.on.ca.