Looking for Health Risks

As part of healthy everyday habits, it is a good idea to take a close look at your home to search for any hidden health risks.

Doing a home-health inventory is easy. Here are a few simple things you can do yourself in just a few hours. This can help you transform your home into a healthier and safer place.

If you suspect it, check it!

If you think something is not right, check it out. Once you know, you will be better able to decide how to manage the risks, and protect both your health and your family's health.

Tips - What can you do?

Indoor Air

• Make my home and car as smoke-free as possible.
• Check for mould that can be seen, especially in damp areas like the bathroom.
• Clean up small areas of mould and get help with large areas.
• Remove unneeded materials that are stored inside.
• Fix leaks and clean up after leaks and spills.
• Turn on fans that vent outside or open windows wherever moisture can accumulate such as when showering or boiling water on the stove.
• Vent clothes dryer to the outside.
• Dust and vacuum regularly.
• Safely dispose of all old, unused chemical products, paints, pesticides, etc.
• Keep chemical products locked, out of sight and reach of children.
• Have the furnace, fireplace, wood-stove and/or gas-stove inspected by a trained technician.
• Install a Canadian Standards Association approved carbon monoxide detector and smoke-detector on each level of my home according to the installation instructions.
• Do not idle vehicles in an enclosed space such as a garage that is attached to my home, or near an open door or window.

Noise

• Limit the amount of time spent on noisy leisure activities, including listening to loud music.
• Wear ear protection if exposed to loud noises.

Drinking Water

• Run the water until it cannot get any colder first thing in the morning each day.
• Use only cold tap water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula.
• Follow local boil water advisories.

Wastewater/Sewage

• Complete septic tank maintenance regularly.
• Do not pour household chemicals, medicines, grease or other kitchen waste down the drain.
• Do not build anything on top of the leaching bed.
• Do not park or drive vehicles on the leaching bed.

Food Safety

• Wash hands, cooking surfaces, dishes and utensils before and after your handle food.
• Refrigerate or freeze foods that can spoil, as well as cooked food within two hours.

Artistry / Hobbies

• Open windows when using paint, varnish, or adhesives (glue).
• Sand and carve wood, antler, bone, soapstone outside when possible, and/or use an appropriate breathing mask.