Environmental Health
90 Articles & Excerpts
Sunscreens and Exposure to UV Radiation, Rays
by Health Canada
More Canadians are using sunscreens to protect themselves from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Exposure to UV radiation, primarily UVB, can cause sunburns and may eventually result in skin cancer.
Sunglasses and UV, Blue Light
by Health Canada
It is important to protect your eyes against damage from the sun. For most people, an inexpensive pair of sunglasses will do the job.
Wood Smoke: Health Effects
by Health Canada
Wood smoke contains a number of pollutants that can be harmful to your health. If you use a wood stove or fireplace in your home, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of health effects for your family and neighbors.
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
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
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
Ultraviolet Radiation From the Sun
by Health Canada
The earth's ozone layer is not as thick as it used to be and more ultraviolet radiation from the sun is reaching the Earth. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, often referred to as 'UV rays,' can cause skin cancer and other serious health effects.
Radon: Health Effects
by Health Canada
Exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer. This relationship has prompted concern that radon levels in some Canadian homes may pose a health risk.
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.
PCBs in Food and Environment
by Health Canada
Low levels of PCBs are found in the environment, and as result, in foods. The presence of these contaminants in foods and the environment means that everyone can be exposed to very low levels of PCBs.
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
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.
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.
Aircraft Noise: Stress, Risks
by Health Canada
Jet aircraft are one of the most disturbing sources of noise in our environment. People who live in communities near airports have become increasingly concerned about potential health effects from aircraft noise.
Radiation Safety of Microwave Ovens
by Health Canada
Some people are concerned about the potential health effects of exposure to microwave energy when they use their microwave ovens. Microwave ovens provide a convenient way to thaw, cook, and reheat food.
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
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.
Effects of Lead on Human Health
by Health Canada
Lead occurs naturally in the environment and has many industrial uses. However, even small amounts of lead can be hazardous to human health. Everyone is exposed to trace amounts of lead through air, soil, household dust, food, drinking water and various
Healthy Lawns
by Health Canada
Canadians take pride in having attractive lawns around their homes and many use lawn care products to maintain them. However, pesticide use for lawn care has become an issue in many communities across Canada, due to an increased awareness
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