Health Hazards

Air pollution

Air pollution can cause short-term health effects in people with heart disease or breathing problems, such as asthma. 

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks provides the latest local air quality forecasts and information.

What is Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)?

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 https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index.html.

For health-related questions, please contact KFL&A Public Health.

Floods 

• Floods are a serious natural hazard that can happen due to swelling lakes and rivers, heavy rainfall, snow melting, and water main or dam breaks.You should know the risks in your area and be prepared for a flood. Check with your local conservation authority or municipal office for local flood risks.

Radon 

• 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. Breathing in high levels of radon for many years can lead to lung cancer. 

Electromagnetic fields

• 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.  

Cooling tower maintenance and Legionnaire's Disease 

• Public Health Agency of Canada - Legionella
• Fact Sheet: Legionnaire's Disease
• Guideline: Best Practices for Control of Legionella (PDF)
• Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems (PDF) 

Noxious weeds 

•  What's New in Weeds? (video)
• Ontario Weeds: Giant Hogweed
• Ontario Weeds: Wild Parsnip

Housing concerns

• Ontario Residential Tenancies Act
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
• Bed Bugs: What you need to know
• Tips to rid your house of insects and rodents