Environmental Health

Where we live affects our health. That premise is the foundation on which environmental health is built.

Environmental health includes a wide range of disciplines from engineering to epidemiology. A number of government departments, agencies, private organizations, and educational institutions across Nova Scotia contribute to this field of public health.

Environmental health involves protection, prevention, education, and advocacy around acute, chronic and sometimes fatal diseases that result from the built or natural environment. Many environmental factors, such as contaminants in water, air and food affect our health. These contaminants may result from natural sources or human activity and include chemical, biological, physical and radiological agents.

Health and Wellness is working to enhance and expand its role and its participation in many aspects of environmental health.

Our role includes:

1. Investigating health hazards identified in the Health Protection Act and its regulations
    
2. Providing information on a wide range of possible health hazards such as asbestos, radon and gold mines tailings.
    
3. Working with other government departments, agencies and groups to protect public health and prevent illness and disease from environmental hazards including:

• Food Safety & Enforcement Division, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
   
• Environmental Monitoring & Compliance Division, Nova Scotia Environment
   
• District Health Authorities