Environmental Health
Environmental heath refers to the physical and built environment and is fundamental to the health of individuals, families and communities.
The quality of the air we breathe, the water sources we depend on, the land we live on that nourishes us are resources faced with opportunities and threats. Increasingly, communities and society understand and recognize actions necessary to reverse greenhouse gases, global warming, etc. The built environment – our neighbourhoods, our schools and workplaces, our shopping and recreation areas designed so that it is safe and easy for all of us to be active everyday and to buy and eat healthy foods – is closely linked to health and social well-being to encourage vibrant, active lifestyles.
Public Health has a number of roles and responsibilities with respect to the physical and built environments but the challenge before us is to recognize the broad and compelling need for concerted efforts by the public and private sectors. This will be achieved through a variety of approaches including education, environmental/energy/transportation policies, health promotion, monitoring and enforcement measures and economic incentives and disincentives.
Environmental health interventions in Niagara region include:
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Regular inspections are conducted at public swimming pools and beaches, food establishments such as restaurants, grocery stores and school cafeterias and personal services establishments such as tattoo parlours and body piercing facilities
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Public Health staff respond to enteric and food-borne outbreaks in the community and institutions, implement strategies to protect against vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme Disease
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Conducts inspections and investigations in response to community concerns related to contamination of air, soil and water.
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WalkON - a partnership of Central West Ontario heart health partnerships that, together, have identified a need to support the development of walkable communities.
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ICAN Walk - Includes material for a community education campaign to increase knowledge about how the built environment impacts health, build positive attitudes, and encourage community action for walkable communities.
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Signing of the International Charter for Walking by six municipalities across Niagara region.
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The formation or strengthening of three active transportation committees: Pelham Active Transportation Committee and Thorold Active Transportation Committee and Garden City Alliance for Sustainable Transportation. These groups are committed to creating communities that support walking and biking.
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Climate change and its effects on health – the division expects to see more poor air quality days, increased and longer lasting excessive heat alerts, ice storms and tropical diseases such as malaria and Dengue fever which are not currently seen in Ontario.
Data
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Food safety – in 2008, 59 institutional outbreaks, 14 daycare outbreaks and 16 community outbreaks were investigated. The Division’s Infodine web site which displays inspection reports on area restaurants is proving popular with the public and has prompted a proposal to initiate mandatory certification for food handlers.
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Water safety (drinking water and recreational water) – in 2008, 21% of the available swimming days at Niagara’s 35 beaches were lost because lake water samples revealed E.coli concentrations in excess of provincial standards. The Division plans to increase sampling and monitor conditions at 3 popular Niagara beaches in 2009 with a view to moving towards predictive modelling which will provide more accurate information but also assist in identifying factors which trigger beach closures. Niagara Region Public Health is also working with key stakeholders to resolve the ongoing Boil Water Advisory in the Township of Wainfleet.