Environmental Health

Second-hand Products: Health Hazards
by Health Canada
Every year thousands of garage sales are held across Canada. If you are planning a garage sale, you have a legal obligation to ensure that all products sold are safe. There are also concerns about some products sold in second hand stores, it is important

Mercury: Effects on Human Health
by Health Canada
Although mercury is released naturally from rocks, soil and volcanoes, human activities have boosted levels in the atmosphere. Canadians can be exposed to mercury from many sources, including food and the use of dental amalgam fillings.

Lead Crystalware and Your Health
by Health Canada
Lead crystalware may release lead into the food and beverages it comes in contact with. As well, any container you drink from, including one made of lead crystal, that has an exterior decorative pattern around the rim, such as a coating or glaze

Extreme Heat Health Effects
by Health Canada
Possibly influenced by a changing climate, many regions of Canada are experiencing prolonged periods of unusually hot conditions. It is important that Canadians know how to protect themselves and their families from the health effects of extreme heat.

Formaldehyde and Indoor Air
by Health Canada
Formaldehyde is released from a variety of indoor sources, and is present at low levels in the air inside Canadian homes. Formaldehyde (CH2O) is a colorless gas. It is irritating and has a sharp odour.

Arts and Crafts Materials and Potential Health Risks
by Health Canada
If you are an artist or craftsperson, you may be working with materials that have the potential to harm your health. It is important to protect yourself by taking proper precautions.

Stereo Systems, Noise and the Risk of Hearing Loss
by Health Canada
Personal stereo systems offer a convenient way to listen to music in public without disturbing others. However, there are growing concerns that these devices may cause hearing loss if they are not used with a degree of caution.

Dioxins and Furans
by Health Canada
Dioxins and furans are common names for toxic chemicals that are found in very small amounts in the environment, including air, water and soil. As a result of their presence in the environment, they are also present in some foods.

Travel and Your Health
by Health Canada
As global travel has increased in recent years, so has the possibility of importing into Canada existing and new diseases. All Canadians have a responsibility to protect their own health while abroad and to contact their doctor, reporting where they have

PBDE Flame Retardants Health Effects
by Health Canada
Polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants (PBDEs) are man-made chemicals added to a wide variety of consumer products to make them less likely to catch fire. Recently, there has been media attention on PBDEs because levels in the environment

Flavorings-Related Lung Disease
by CDC
This Topic Page provides a resource for findings and recommendations by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to reduce the risk of severe obstructive lung disease (bronchiolitis obliterans) associated with occupational

Create a Dust-Free Bedroom
by National Institute of Health
If you are dust-sensitive, especially if you have allergies and/or asthma, you can reduce some of your misery by creating a dust-free bedroom. Dust may contain molds, fibers, and dander from dogs, cats, and other animals, as well as tiny dust mites.

Mold Health Effects
by CDC
What are molds? Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more.

Asbestos Health Effects : Who is at Risk
by CDC
In the past, asbestos exposure was associated mainly with mining and milling of the raw material and with workers engaged in product manufacture. Because industrial use has decreased over the last 40 years, these occupational exposures have declined.

Paint Strippers: Health Hazards
by Health Canada
Paint strippers are handy during home renovations. Careful use is required due to the strong chemicals that these products contain. When it comes to removing old paint, strippers that contain methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane, are fast-act

Smoke Detector Types
by Health Canada
Smoke detectors save lives. It is important to put smoke detectors in the right places in your home. You should also test them regularly to make sure that they work properly. If there is a fire in your home, smoke detectors are your family's first line

Community Noise: Health Risks
by Health Canada
There is concern about excessive community noise because people can find it highly annoying. Over a period of time, such high annoyance can affect one's quality of life. As communities become more crowded, environmental noise levels increase.

Lead-based Paint
by Health Canada
Many older homes in Canada are decorated with lead-based paint. Removing or disturbing this paint as part of a renovation project could expose people in the home to serious health risks.

Health Risks of Radiation Exposure
by Health Canada
Radiation absorbed by the body causes cell changes that may increase the risk of cancer and hereditary effects. It is therefore important for workers, especially pregnant women, to limit their exposure to radiation in their workplaces.

Holiday Safety
by Health Canada
Holidays are busy and joyous times for most Canadians. But holiday routines can also give rise to greater safety hazards than would normally occur. Candles on the table and a tree decorated with lights are part of the holiday season in Canada.