Field Inquiries
Our field inquiries address emerging environmental public health issues raised by practitioners. Each inquiry undergoes expert consultation to understand the context, a rapid literature review to capture the existing evidence, and a review of existing guidance to understand the various potential approaches. We use a question-based approach to guide readers through the scenario and then summarize the key considerations for policy action. These documents are internally reviewed before publication.
Primary inquiry: Information was requested regarding whether CO2 monitoring could be implemented as a COVID-19 risk mitigation tool in restaurants. Building on a previous NCCEH document in which we…
FINAL - Using Indoor CO2 Sensors for COVID MAY 17 2021.pdf253.15 KB
Primary inquiry Information was requested on the SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks for individuals who are involved in the handling, transport, and examination of decedents known or suspected to have…
Field Inquiry - COVID_19 risks to deathcare occupations_Feb 2021_EN_Final.pdf415.33 KB
Primary inquiry: How can outdoor dining spaces be adapted for colder weather in a way that does not exacerbate COVID-19 transmission or other safety risks associated with temporary enclosures?…
Patios Inquiry Nov 17 2020 FINAL.pdf320.57 KB
Primary inquiry Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, many businesses have started offering environmental sampling services to detect presence of SARS-CoV-2 on environmental surfaces and in the air in…
Environmental sampling Nov 16 final in template.pdf309.86 KB
Primary inquiry A public health practitioner raised a question about the misuse and overuse of disinfectants as a result of heightened concerns about SARS-CoV-2 transmission via environmental…
Health impacts of disinfectants Oct 26 final in template.pdf327.33 KB
Primary Inquiry: Do showers, steam rooms, hot tubs, or other warm, high-humidity settings in public facilities increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission? Summary Statement: This rapid review did…
Primary inquiry A municipality received an application from a funeral home to install a cremator within their facility. Objections were received from nearby residents who were concerned about…
FINAL_Field Inquiry-Crematoria emissions and air quality impacts_EN_0.pdf2.64 MB
[please note that a printable version of this Field Inquiry is linked at the bottom] Primary inquiry A citizen’s group reported that putrid smells were occurring daily from a local commercial…
Primary inquiry Buzz buttons were seen on the menu for a special event at which food was served. An environmental health officer inquired about the following: What are buzz buttons and how are…
Buzz Buttons 2019-03-ENG.pdf509.87 KB
Primary inquiry: Heavy rains caused a river to flood and overflow its banks. Soil containing naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) was deposited onto the surrounding land. This land is used for farming…
Naturally_occurring_asbestos_outdoor_setting-Feb_2018.pdf596.46 KB