Healthy Environments

The Porcupine Health Unit works with the community to keep our environment safe by preventing or reducing negative health effects from health hazards. A person’s health can be adversely affected by biological, chemical, or physical concerns, such as bed bugs, blue-green algae, mould, and radon.

If you have a concern, please contact the Duty Inspector at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818 or email us at [email protected].

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small insects (about the size of an apple seed) with oval-shaped bodies and no wings. They usually come out and bite at night. It is possible for anyone, anywhere to experience a bed bug infestation, but they can be prevented and controlled.

Blastomycosis: Questions & Answers

Information about Blastomycosis, including frequently asked questions.

Blue-Green Algae

Blue-green algae blooms are a natural seasonal phenomenon that may appear in lakes, rivers and ponds. Some species have the potential to produce toxins which may be harmful to people and animals. Direct contact with the toxin can cause skin irritation and if ingested in higher concentrations, may result in vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Fish and Mercury

Most fish contain trace amounts of mercury. For most people, the small amounts in fish do not pose a problem. Some fish, however, contain high amounts of mercury, which is why certain individuals must be careful about the amounts and type of fish they eat.

Keep cockroaches out of your home

Cockroaches will live in any area where food, water, and shelter are available. They are attracted to buildings because of the warm, damp conditions offered by kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and plumbing areas. Once inside a building, they travel quite easily.

Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas found naturally in the environment. It is produced by the decay of uranium found in soil, rock or water. Radon is invisible, odourless and tasteless and emits ionizing radiation. As a gas, radon can move freely through the soil enabling it to escape to the atmosphere or seep into buildings.

Rodents

Rodents, such as rats and mice, can cause several problems if they find their way into your home or facility. Rodents may damage buildings, equipment, and food products.

What you need to know about heavy metals in Hollinger Park

The Porcupine Health Unit with the City of Timmins has notified the public about higher than normal levels of lead, arsenic and antimony in the surface soil in various areas of Hollinger Park. We acknowledge the potential risk of the presence of heavy metals however, want to reassure users that we do not expect any adverse health effects from exposure to the soil from normal use of the park.

Work Camps in Unorganized Territory

A camp in unorganized territory is an area in which buildings are used to accommodate five or more employees who are employed in mining work, lumbering work, or any other labour work in a territory without municipal organization. At least fourteen (14) days prior to opening a camp, anyone planning to open a camp must complete the "Intent to Operate a Camp in Unorganized Territories" form and submit it to the Porcupine Health Unit.