Our subject guides 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. Topic pages are reviewed and updated with new content periodically. These lists are not intended to be exhaustive, and the omission of any individual resource does not preclude it from having value.
Cyanobacteria, commonly referred to as blue-green algae, are naturally occurring photosynthetic bacteria found in lakes, rivers, brackish, and marine waters. Cyanobacteria can pose a hazard to people…
Sea level rise can cause a range of physical impacts on the built environment, with potential damage, loss, or change to coastal ports, critical infrastructure, private dwellings, transport routes,…
Legionella is naturally occurring waterborne bacteria that can survive within building water systems and multiply under ideal conditions that include warm temperature (e.g., 25-45°C), lack of…
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…
Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal that can be harmful to human health. Health effects of lead exposure can include neurological, cardiovascular, renal, immunological, reproductive and…
The definition and regulatory oversight of small drinking water systems (SDWS) across Canada varies by provincial and federal jurisdictions. A small system may be defined by size, or by who owns and…
(Last updated: June 2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted major cities around the world, leading to businesses and public facilities closures and stay-at-home orders. Public transit ridership…
The goal of any public health emergency is to help as many people as quickly as possible. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new dimension to emergency management. Not only has COVID-19 made it…
[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…