Topic Pages
Our topic pages introduce the reader to important and emerging environmental public health issues through a curated list of NCCEH and external resources. The most relevant resources have been selected to best guide the search for further information. These lists are not intended to be exhaustive, and the omission of any individual resource does not preclude it from having value.
Marine shellfish poisoning refers to illnesses caused by eating marine bivalve shellfish (e.g., clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, cockles) that contain biotoxins, which shellfish can accumulate when…
The transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, occurs primarily via direct contact with or respiratory droplets from an infected person. However, there is evidence to suggest that…
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms to survive in the presence of drugs meant to inhibit or kill them. AMR poses a serious threat to human health, and risks the emergence…
This topic page is intended to help environmental health practitioners understand the guiding principles and public health objectives being used to develop cannabis policy, both federally and across…
[Last Updated: Feb 24, 2021]
Legionella bacteria are opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPP) that can cause illnesses collectively referred to as legionellosis. Legionellosis includes…
[Last Updated: Feb 11, 2021]
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it may be necessary to periodically close public buildings and facilities, followed by re-opening when safe again. Periods of low…
The provision of safe drinking water across Canada is a responsibility shared across many agencies. At the federal level, Health Canada sets Drinking Water Guidelines for contaminants in drinking…
Modern artificial turf is used indoors and outdoors in a wide variety of settings, including multipurpose recreational and professional sports fields, playgrounds, residential areas, and public…
Oil spills are very complex events that, depending on where they occur, may result in acute exposures to nearby human populations. Regardless of the presence of humans, however, oil spills have the…
The definition of “ethnic food” depends on the geographic and cultural context in which the cuisine is found. Broadly speaking, ethnic foods are defined by others outside of the respective ethnic…