Evidence Reviews
Our evidence reviews are motivated by our ongoing assessment of knowledge translation needs and gaps in environmental health practice and policy. These documents uses a semi-systematic literature review process to capture and then synthesize the relevant academic and grey literature. The final product is internally and externally reviewed before publication.
Floatation refers to a meditative activity in which users float in a high-density Epsom salt solution in a dark, quiet environment. Because float tanks are distinct from swimming pools and other recre…
The growing popularity of “floatation” and the ways in which this practice differs from the use of pools and spas have raised interesting questions in environmental public health. Public health agenci…
This fact sheet is for public health professionals. It provides a brief overview on specific non-pharmaceutical measures to be used in community settings. Such measures can prevent the spread of influ…
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is endemic in North America. In contrast to MRSA acquired in hospital settings, CA-MRSA is present in a wide variety of environ…
Surveillance approaches for emerging zoonotic infectious diseases is less well developed than for traditional clearly-defined diseases. Zoonotic diseases with recent implications in Canada include: in…
Public health events are best dealt with in an interdisciplinary manner with many actors and agencies involved, each lending their expertise to solve the complex problem. Many examples exist of agenci…
We estimate that 3% to 16% of food-borne outbreaks investigated by public health agencies are associated with community events including church suppers, fairs, potlucks, picnics, etc. However, there i…
Church/Community Suppers: What is the Evidence for Risk of Food-borne Illness?
Waterborne infections are an important cause of preventable enteric disease. This report obtained information on: characteristics of waterborne disease events (WBEs) in Canada; factors contributing to…
Retrospective Surveillance for Drinking Water-Related Illnesses in Canada
While boiling water is an effective way to kill most microbial pathogens, research performed in the United Kingdom has shown that people do not necessarily comply with boil water advisories. Similarly…
When can Point-of-Use Water Filters be used for Removal of Protozoa?
The purpose of this review is to synthesize available evidence for public health practitioners, making decisions in the event of emerging zoonosis, by finding public health surveillance initiatives fo…
Systematic Review of Surveillance Systems for Emerging Zoonotic Diseases