Environmental Health

The Environmental Health Program ensures community health protection by identifying, investigating and managing health hazards, including participation in Regional emergency response planning. This is accomplished through the delivery of programs and the expertise of a multidisciplinary team of professionals which includes Public Health Inspectors, an Environmental Health Specialist and an Environmental Research and Policy Analyst. The primary objective of the Environmental Health Program is to ensure that important environmental issues specific to York Region are addressed with public health and safety in mind. Some goals of this program involve the development and delivery of educational programs that relate to potential health hazards such as pesticides, outdoor air quality, sewage, and industrial and chemical pollutants. Related activities include responding to public inquiries, conducting research, issuing media releases, and providing forums, brochures and displays. Environmental events such as Earth Week, Environment Week and Clean Air Day are promoted to improve air quality and environmental health.

The Environmental Health Program also includes the development and implementation of strategies to improve outdoor air quality.  Click here for more information on outdoor air quality. In the event of poor air quality the York Region Medical Officer of Health issues Air Quality Advisories to alert the public to take appropriate action to reduce possible health effects associated with poor air quality. Smog Advisories or Smog Alerts are issued by the Ministry of Environment and Environment Canada when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach or exceed 50 due to ground level ozone and particulate matter. For more information about smog Click here for the York Region Smog Alert pamplet.pdf. For more information about the dangers of idling click here for the York Region idling Q & A.

Fish and your health

Are you concerned about mercury in fish and shellfish?  York Region Community and Health Servcies has developed A Guide to Eating Fish for Women, Children and Families, which takes into consideration the health concerns that may influence the fish you choose to eat.  Click here to learn more about safe and healthy fish choices for you and your family.

 

Another important initiative under the Environmental Health Program involves inspections and the investigation of complaints to Public Health Inspectors regarding indoor air quality. Click here for more information on indoor air quality.

For more information on the Environmental Health Program you can contact a Public Health Inspector, at the York Region Health Connection Line: 1-800-361-5653.