Presentations

The BCCDC/NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. The seminars can be attended in-person or online.

Speakers: Winifred Lao, Kimberly Wrixon, Cathy Wong, and Wilson Yu, British Columbia Institute of Technology

Abstract: Food insecurity is a serious public health issue that can result in chronic illnesses, as well as social and mental health problems. Although food distribution organizations (FDOs) are not the ultimate solution to address food insecurity, they were formed to provide support to those in need by collecting and distributing foods. However, FDOs encounter many food donation issues, which affect their capability to help improve the health of the food insecure. Hence, this webinar will provide an overview of the issues related to food insecurity and food donations to enhance Environmental Health Officers’ (EHOs) understanding of the public health…

The BCCDC/NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. The seminars can be attended in-person or online.

The BCCDC/NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. The seminars can be attended in-person or online.

Speaker: Dr. Brian A. Nummer, Utah State University

Abstract: Acid, pickled and fermented foods are trending with small commercial and home-based food producers. What concerns in preparation, ingredients, packaging and acidification are there? Are these foods really lower risk? Is a home-based kitchen safe? How is shelf life determined? How does the processor know if refrigeration is safe? Can these foods be thermally processed for ambient storage? All of these questions will be answered and topped off with a brief discussion on inspections, traceability, and recall issues.

The BCCDC/NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. The seminars can be attended in-person or online.

Speaker: Reza Afshari, MD, MPH, PhD. Senior Scientist, Toxicology, BCCDC

Abstract: Chemical exposures have been associated with a variety of health effects. Food can be a major pathway through which the general population is exposed to certain types of chemicals. For some chemicals, food accounts for 100% of human exposures. The results of a 10-year project at the World Health Organization on Foodborne Chemical Toxins, the first project of its kind at the WHO, have been released in December 2015. Our team has estimated that four chemicals, cyanide in cassava, peanut allergen, aflatoxin, and dioxin, were responsible globally for 339,000 illnesses, 20,000 deaths and 1,012,000 DALYs in 2010. The significant impact of chemicals in the food supply on the global burden of…

The BCCDC/NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. The seminars can be attended in-person or online.

Speaker: Anne-Marie Nicol, MES, PhD, Environmental Health Scientist, NCCEH

Abstract: This seminar describes the processes involved in shale gas production, including hydraulic fracturing, and provides an overview of the main public health concerns that can arise from the various stages. Potential exposures in air, water and at the community level are discussed, along with the current state of the evidence of regarding these exposures in the US and Canada. The presentation also includes an overview of the seismic risks that can occur specifically from hydraulic fracturing and waste water disposal.

The BCCDC/NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. The seminars can be attended in-person or online.

Speaker: Dr. Mélissa Généreux, Director, Estrie Public Health

Abstract: As the head of Estrie Public Health, Dr Mélissa Généreux led the public health response during and after the Lac Mégantic train derailment tragedy on July 6, 2013. She retrospectively conducted a comprehensive analysis of direct services provided by her team during the first weeks (i.e. emergency response operations) and months (i.e. recovery operations). During this session, she will share lessons learned from the Public Health response during and after the tragedy. As the Principal Investigator of a large public health survey conducted in 2014 and 2015 in the Estrie region involving more than 10,000 subjects, she will also highlight the long-term psychological impacts of the Lac-Mégantic…

The BCCDC/NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. The seminars can be attended in-person or online.

The BCCDC/NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. The seminars can be attended in-person or online.

Speaker: Céline Campagna, Responsable scientifique adjointe, Institut national de santé publique du Québec

Abstract: In 2007, the Quebec government released its Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) which included an important public health adaptation component. The ministry of Health and Social Services mandated the Public Health Institute (INSPQ) for the development, management and implementation of the whole program. With the ongoing 2013-2021 CCAP, we are stepping forward to more concerted and larger-scale projects on urban heat islands reduction, research and monitoring of adaptation knowledge and behaviours, a strategy to reduce allergenic pollens, psychosocial surveillance and interventions after major meteorological events, etc. This presentation will provide…

The BCCDC/NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. The seminars can be attended in-person or online.

Speakers:Chief Councillor Marilyn Slett, Heiltsuk NationLinda Pillsworth, Manager of Environmental Public Health Services, FNHAAngela Eykelbosh, Environmental Health & Knowledge Translation Scientist, NCCEH/BCCDC

Abstract:In the first of two BCCDC Environmental Health Seminars focusing on oil/fuel spills and public health, Chief Marilyn Slett and Linda Pillsworth will speak on the still-unfolding events and impacts of the Bella Bella diesel spill that occurred in October 2016. This case study will provide a brief timeline of the spill events, community perspectives on health impacts, a description of measures used to support the community, and a discussion of existing and upcoming challenges.A brief primer on the health effects of large marine spills on human…

The BCCDC/NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. The seminars can be attended in-person or online.

Speaker: Marc Lafontaine, Science Advisor, Health Canada

Abstract: The Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit (CEPRU) of Health Canada is developing guidance documents to assist public health and emergency management practitioners in preparing for and responding to the acute release of high-risk chemicals. These guidance documents are intended to be used for awareness and education purposes; they cover considerations spanning the emergency management continuum of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. They are complementary to chemical-specific response data sheets, include case studies, and promote freely available authoritative data sources and risk management best practices. Using a common structure and Q&A style, guidance documents for…