Health Hazards

Nobody wants hidden dangers in their home, but sometimes things like mould, poor air quality, or pests can creep in and cause problems. The good news? You can take simple steps to fix or prevent these hazards and keep your family safe.

What are health hazards?

Health hazards are things in your environment that could make you or your family sick. Some examples include:

• Bad air quality: Like smoke, smog, or poor indoor ventilation

• Mould: Found in damp places like basements or bathrooms

• Rodents: Mice or rats spreading disease or contaminating food

• Radon: A gas you can’t see or smell that can build up in your home over time

How to spot and handle common health hazards

Here’s a closer look at some common problems and what you can do about them:

Air quality

• Why it matters: Breathing in polluted air can make it hard to breathe and hurt your lungs.

• What to do:

• Open windows or use a fan to bring in fresh air

• Try an air purifier if you have one

• Avoid using strong-smelling products like certain cleaners or paints

• Learn more about improving air quality (Health Canada)

Mould

• Why it matters: Mould grows in damp spots and can trigger allergies or breathing problems.

• What to do:

• Fix leaks quickly and dry wet areas right away

• Clean mould with a household cleaner or mould remover

• Get more information about mould in your home and what to do

Rodents

• Why it matters: Mice and rats can carry diseases and damage food or property

• What to do:

• Seal cracks or holes where rodents could sneak in

• Keep food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs

• For more information, please visit our rodents page

Radon

• Why it matters: Radon is an invisible gas that can seep into your home and, over time, increase the risk of lung cancer.

• What to do:

• Use a radon test kit to check your home. These are easy to find online or at hardware stores.

• Call a professional if radon levels are high (200 Bq/m³)

• Learn more about Radon and testing

When should you call Southwestern Public Health?

If you think there’s a health hazard in your home or neighbourhood, call us at 1-800-922-0096.

We can:

• Investigate the issue and assess the risks

• Give advice on how to handle the problem

• Connect you with helpful resources or services

How to take action today

You don’t need to wait to start protecting your family. Here are three easy steps you can take now:

1. Learn more: Find out about common risks like mould, air quality, or radon.

2. Fix small problems early: Repair leaks, improve ventilation, and seal cracks to prevent bigger issues later.

3. Ask for help if needed: Call SWPH if you’re worried about a hazard or unsure what to do next.

Need help? Contact us today!

If you’re worried about a health hazard, call 1-800-922-0096 to speak with a Public Health Inspector. We’ll work with you to keep your home and community safe.