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Field Inquiries
NCCEH field inquiries are based on a real or hypothetical situation related to an environmental health problem. A field inquiry uses a question format to offer context and background to the problem, knowledge to assess the situation and concludes with an approach to solve the problem.
Topics: Contaminants and Hazards, Chemical Agents Location: General, Canada
Primary inquiry: Heavy rains caused a river to flood and overflow its banks. Soil containing naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) was deposited onto the surrounding land. This land is used for farming, and includes the backyards of private dwellings and areas used for various recreational pursuits. What are the potential public health risks from exposure to NOA in these outdoor settings? What...
Naturally_occurring_asbestos_outdoor_setting-Feb_2018.pdf
Topics: Contaminants and Hazards, Chemical Agents Location: General, Canada
A Public Health Inspector (PHI) has raised a concern about a local middle school with a small, poorly ventilated computer room containing computers over 10 years old. The PHI has read that brominated flame retardants used in computers can affect reproductive health and is concerned about many students and teachers who spend 20-50% of their school week in this room. What is the issue?What are...
View Full ArticlePepper Spray in the Indoor Environment and in the Vicinity of Food Products and Preparation Surfaces
Topics: Contaminants and Hazards, Chemical Agents, Food, Indoor Air Location: General, Canada
Pepper spray is discharged during an attempted robbery of a jewellery store in a large urban mall. The robbery site is located next to the mall’s food court. For several days, mall patrons continue to report uncomfortable symptoms (e.g., burning sensation in their eyes and throat) when they enter the food court. Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) are asked to respond to concerns about...
View Full ArticleTopics: Contaminants and Hazards, Chemical Agents, Indoor Air Location: General, Canada
A Public Health Inspector calls about an issue flagged at an older elementary school. As part of a teacher complaint process, the provincial health and safety agency has been conducting a workplace investigation. Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels were measured and ranged from 412 ppm in an unoccupied classroom to 1,130 ppm in the school library and 1,660 ppm in an occupied classroom that had closed...
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