The Government of Canada and the Home Depot Team Up to Educate Canadians About Potential Environmental Hazards in the Home

News Release
2011-39
March 8, 2011
For immediate release

OTTAWA - Health Canada, Summerhill Impact and The Home Depot are working together to raise Canadians' awareness about potential hazards in their home environment, and to encourage them to take action to reduce exposure to these risks.

Health Canada introduced its environmental health guide, called Hazardcheck, to Canadians in 2010. The guide provides information on environmental health hazards and simple steps Canadians can take to reduce risks to their health. As part of the department's campaign to raise awareness of the relationship between health and the environment, Hazardcheck information booths will be set up in all 179 Home Depot locations across Canada on March 12/13, 19/20 and 26/27. Free Hazardcheck guides will be available, and Summerhill Impact representatives will be on hand to provide advice on testing for, and reducing, potential hazards such as mould, radon, carbon monoxide and lead in Canadian homes.

"Environmental hazards can be present in air, water, soil, and consumer products. They can be inhaled or ingested, or be absorbed through the skin," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. "I encourage Canadians to stop by the booth, talk to a representative, and pick up a copy of the Hazardcheck guide. The guide provides important advice on actions Canadians can take to keep their homes safer and healthier for themselves and their families."

The Government of Canada identified environmental health as a priority in its 2008 budget and allocated $13.1 million over five years for the development of a comprehensive awareness campaign, with an emphasis on parents with children living in the household. A key component of the campaign is the development of Hazardcheck, a guide and Web site that provides advice to Canadians on reducing exposure to hazards in and around their homes. Guides can be ordered directly through the website or by calling 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).

The campaign directly supports and builds on the Government's world-leading  Chemicals Management Plan and Clean Air Agenda.

"The Home Depot is proud to partner with Health Canada to educate Canadians on healthier and environmentally-preferred options that are available to make their homes safer," said Gino DiGioacchino, VP of Merchandising, The Home Depot Canada.

 "Canadians may not be aware that we spend up to 90% of our time indoors. As experts of public engagement, we are excited to help bring this important message to Canadians, and to empower them to take actions that will make their home environments safer and healthier," said Fatima Crerar, Managing Director of Summerhill Impact.

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Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Jenny Van Alstyne
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709