The Science of Health

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is responsible for pesticide regulation in Canada. The PMRA is working to help all Canadians understand the risks associated with pesticides, and what the government does to protect your health and the environment.

By undertaking a research project based on the One Health approach, which recognizes the interdepency between the health of humans, domesticated and wild animals, and the environment, scientists are working together to develop new knowledge in the Canadian context.

In June 2022, Health Canada achieved a significant milestone in its contribution towards banning nuclear weapons testing around the world by obtaining the certification for its noble gas laboratory.

As the impacts of climate change increase in Canada, we expect to experience more and more days of extreme heat. Even though most people are able to cope with this rise in temperatures over the summer months, extreme heat can have a devastating impact on some of those who are most susceptible to experiencing adverse health impacts.

It’s a situation no one wants to face. You need a medication or health product, but you can’t find it anywhere. The reason? A shortage.

Many of us have become all too familiar with drug shortages, which have been increasing in the last few years. Global supply constraints, manufacturing issues, difficulties in accessing raw materials and the COVID-19 pandemic are some of the key reasons behind this increase.

Did you know that coming into contact with mouse droppings can be fatal?

At the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory (NML), protecting people in Canada from hantavirus means working on the problem from various angles. This involves multiple scientists, each with different specialities, who put in time not only in the lab, but also out in the field.

When avian influenza (also known as bird flu) is featured in the news, it is often accompanied by alarming headlines highlighting the highly infectious nature of some strains and their ability to cause severe disease. The current outbreak of the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus has garnered more headlines globally, documenting its spread around the world killing scores of domestic and wild birds.

Heat waves mean high temperatures and humidity, and climate change can lead to longer and more intense heat events that can be dangerous for health, and even lead to death.

As some vaccine preventable disease outbreaks - like measles, polio and diphtheria – have made headlines around the world in recent months, people may wonder why these outbreaks are occurring and if they are at risk. To understand the current situation, it is important to understand how vaccination works as a public health preventive measure.

What do dental offices, vet clinics, hospitals, and mines have in common? All of them, plus many other industries, use radiation as an important tool in their day-to-day operations.

Swim suits – check! Sand toys – check! Sunscreen – check! But don’t forget to check the water quality at your favourite beach to make sure it’s safe to enjoy the water.

Filoviruses can cause some of the deadliest diseases on the planet including the Ebola, Sudan and Marburg virus diseases.

Radiation is found everywhere in the environment, occurring both naturally and through human activity. Generally, it doesn’t represent a risk to health, unless it is found in elevated levels.

Do you live, work or play near a busy roadway? If so, the quality of the outdoor air may be impacting your health.

In 2008, Canada saw one of its largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent times. What was the cause? Listeria.

Have you ever heard of botulism? While this foodborne illness may be less well known than others, it can have serious consequences. Fortunately, botulism is very rare in Canada thanks to safe food practices and the work of devoted Health Canada scientists.