Health hazards
KFL&A Public Health responds to reports of health hazards in our community and implements preventative strategies to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.
Learn how the environment effects your health and what you and your family can do to reduce your health risks from some common concerns.
Air pollution |
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Climate warming is causing the Earth to experience more extreme weather (e.g., heat waves and drought) which can negatively impact air quality. When air quality is good, air is clean and contains only small amounts of solid particles and chemical pollutants. Poor air quality, which contains high levels of pollutants, is often hazy and dangerous to health and the environment. Air pollution can cause short-term health effects in people with heart disease or breathing problems, such as asthma. KFL&A Public Health:
Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)The Air Quality Health Index is a scale designed to help you understand what the air quality around you means to your health, AQHI monitors air pollutants and grades them on a scale from 1 to 10+. The higher the number the more likely you are to experience symptoms associated with poor air quality. AQHI can help you make an informed decision on when to schedule outdoor activities. To learn more about the AQHI, please visit Health Canada. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks provides the latest local air quality forecasts and information. |
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Electromagnetic fields |
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Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) are a commonly occurring phenomena which Canadians encounter on a daily basis. Common sources include household appliances, visible light, and Wi-Fi and cellular technology such as 4G and 5G. Radio frequency EMFs, which are used for technology such as Wi-Fi and cellular phones, have been used for communications and other widespread applications for decades. Radio frequency EMFs have frequencies between 10 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz) and lack sufficient energy to break chemical bonds.
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Radon |
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Radon is a radioactive gas. You can't see, smell or taste radon. Radon is formed by decaying uranium, which naturally occurs in rocks and soil. Radon gas can seep into your home through gaps in basement walls or foundation. Breathing in high levels of radon for many years can lead to lung cancer.
White Ribbon Radon Testing ProgramThis program provides families who have been affected by lung cancer with free radon tests. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with lung cancer, |
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Harmful weeds |
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Ontario has several harmful weeds that can be found growing outside. They contain sap that is toxic when ingested or comes in to contact with skin. |