Environmental Health

The Environmental Health Team identifies and assesses health hazards, responds to environmental incidents that impact public health, monitors the environmental health status of the community and increases awareness of health effects related to the environment. Topics include air quality, hazardous chemicals, climate change, extreme weather events, the built environment, exposure to radiation and children's environmental health.

Environmental public health programs are delivered by a multidisciplinary team with experience and skills in health inspection, risk assessments, epidemiology, toxicology, research, policy analysis, health promotion and health communication.

Outdoor Air Quality
The Environmental Health Team is committed to developing, implementing and promoting strategies that improve outdoor air quality and protect the public from the effects of outdoor air pollution. For example:

• The Air Quality Health Index is a new health based index that helps residents better understand how to protect their health from local air pollution. More information on the Air Quality Health Index.
• 20/20 The Way to Clean Air is a program which challenges residents to reduce their energy use by 20% at home and on the road. More information on the 20/20 program.
• When you idle your vehicle, it needlessly produces emissions that contribute to climate change and pollute our air. View York Region idling Q & A.

Indoor Air Quality
The Environmental Health Team inspects seasonal farm workers’ housing annually upon request and arenas based on risk assessments. Where there is an elevated risk of illness, Public Health Inspectors conduct investigations pertaining to mould and other adverse indoor air quality issues in schools, child care facilities, public settings and rental dwellings. More information on indoor air quality.

Extreme Heat
When the temperatures rise, be sure to stay cool! Extreme heat can be hazardous to your health and some people are more at risk than others for heat-related illness. York Region issues heat advisories and notifies high risk groups when heat poses a risk to health. Information on symptoms of heat-related illnesses and steps to protect yourself and your family.

Fish and Your Health
Are you concerned about mercury in fish and shellfish?  York Region Community and Health Services 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.  Learn more about safe and healthy fish choices for you and your family.