What is a Health Hazard?
The Health Protection and Promotion Act defines a health hazard as:
- a condition of a premises;
- a substance, thing, plant or animal other than man, or;
- a solid, liquid, gas or combination of any of them;
- that has or that is likely to have an adverse effect on the health of any person.
How does Public Health help?
Under the Ontario Public Health Standards, which mandates what health units are required to deliver to the public, health hazards are addressed under Healthy Environments section:
To reduce exposure to health hazards and promote the development of healthy built and natural environments that support health and mitigate existing and emerging risks, including the impacts of a changing climate.
Public Health Inspectors at the Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) help prevent and reduce exposure to health hazards in the community and promote the development of healthy built and natural environments.
For information on health hazards commonly addressed at SWPH, keep reading below.
Types of Health Hazards
When do I notify the health unit?
A public health inspector can assess your concerns to see if a health hazard is present. If Southwestern Public Health is not the best agency to help you with your concerns, we can help direct you to the most appropriate agency for assistance.
Please note: Public Health inspectors do not make site visits for all calls. The Public Health Inspector will conduct a risk assessment based on the situation. If a site visit is not indicated the Public Health Inspector will still provide you with further information to assist you.
To speak to a Public Health Inspector about health hazards contact the health unit at 1-800-922-0096.