Radon
Radon gas is a product of uranium breaking down in soil and rock. Radon gas can enter a building structure through openings such as cracks in the foundations, construction joints, gaps around pipes, sump pumps and drains. In indoor air, radon gas can build up to levels that can pose a health risk. In outdoor air, it is diluted to levels that do not pose a health concern.
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. According to Health Canada, more than 3000 Canadians die every year from radon-induced lung cancer.
Health Canada information
Radon testing |
Radon is easy to test for and kits are available online and in stores. To get a more accurate picture of radon levels in your home, test for a minimum of three months over the winter, when you are less likely to have open windows. |
Indoor air quality
On average, Canadians spend 90 per cent of their time indoors. This is why maintaining good indoor air quality is so important for maintaining good health. Many factors can impact indoor air quality including mould, excess moisture and fuel-burning appliances, as well as activities such as smoking indoors and idling vehicles in attached garages.
The best way to improve indoor air quality is to remove or reduce indoor air pollutants at the source.
Indoor air quality resources |
Air quality alerts
The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks, in conjunction with Environment and Climate Change Canada, issue Special Air Quality Statements (SAQS) and Air Quality Advisories (AQA).
Community partners
Durham Region Health Department gives local municipalities and community partners notification of environmental health hazards such as heat warnings, cold warnings, and poor air quality, as they provide services for those who are more at-risk in our communities. Use the button below to send us an email with "subscribe" in the subject line.
Community partners: Subscribe to environmental health hazards notifications
Outdoor air quality
Protect yourself by planning outdoor activities during times when air quality is good.
Follow your local air quality forecasts through the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).
Subscribe to receive air quality alerts by email
What is the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)? | ||||||||||||||||||||
The AQHI is a tool that helps us understand our local air quality and what it means to our health. It measures common air pollutants known to cause health problems and provides a AQHI rating from 1 to 10, depending on the potential health risk of the air pollution level. The higher the AQHI, the greater the health risk. |
||||||||||||||||||||
How can I use the AQHI? | ||||||||||||||||||||
Before heading outdoors, check your local AQHI forecast.
|
||||||||||||||||||||
AQHI and health messages | ||||||||||||||||||||
*Unsure if you are at risk? Consult this health guide to help you determine if you are at risk from air pollution. People with heart or breathing problems are at greater risk. Follow your doctor's usual advice about exercising and managing your condition. |
||||||||||||||||||||
Air quality alerts | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Environment and Climate Change Canada, issues the following alerts:
Subscribe to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks air quality alerts |
||||||||||||||||||||
Outdoor air quality resources | ||||||||||||||||||||
Resources |
||||||||||||||||||||
What can I do to help improve air quality? | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wildfires and air quality
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. Be sure to check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke.
Who is at risk? |
|
How to limit exposure to wildfire smoke |
If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health.
|
Symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure |
Milder and more common symptoms of smoke exposure include:
You can typically manage these symptoms without medical intervention. More serious symptoms of smoke exposure include:
Exposure to wildfire smoke can exacerbate existing lung and heart diseases, including:
Less commonly, exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to:
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to a health care provider or seek urgent medical attention. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 and seek immediate medical assistance. |
Resources |
To monitor your local conditions and subscribe to alerts |
Contact Us