Do you know what the air quality is like at your local arena?

Did you realize, there are 10 arenas in Chatham – Kent?  We inspected them this fall. These inspections were to determine the levels of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ammonia (NH3) before, during and after ice resurfacing operations. As a result of that inspection, Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ammonia (NH3) were not detected in any of the arenas, and those … Read More

Unpasteurized Fruit Juices and Cider

Did you know?  A small percentage of fruit juices and apple cider may be unpasteurized. This means it has not been treated to eliminate contaminants such as: E coli Salmonella various other organisms This could make you or your family very ill and could even lead to death. Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk. You could find unpasteurized … Read More

Need your well water tested?

If you want to be sure your well water is safe for you and your family you need to take the first step.  Test your water!  Pick up a water bottle, free of charge, from the CKPHU or your local municipal service centre. Keep the bottle closed until the moment you fill it. Take the sample on the day you are planning … Read More

Cigarettes, Minors and the Smoke-Free Ontario Act

The SFOA Often, it is thought that the SFOA targets smokers.  This is not the case.  What the SFOA does target is smoking in certain places and situations, as well as the improper display, promotion or sale of tobacco products among other things. It may surprise you to learn that of the nearly 50 fines that can be levied in … Read More

Radon

Almost 90 % of Lung Cancer deaths are caused by smoking.  Radon exposure is linked to approximately 10% of Lung Cancers in Canada and is the second leading cause of Lung Cancer in smokers. Radon is a gas that is produced naturally by the breakdown of Uranium in the ground and gets in your home undetected.  You can’t see it, … Read More

Lake Erie Fish

An investigation by the Ministry of the Environment points to the cause of the widespread Lake Erie fish kill to be a natural occurrence. The testing has revealed no pollution or spill. It appears there was an up-welling of organic debris and unoxygenated water from the bottom of the lake into the surface layer, creating a sewage-like smell and killing the … Read More

West Nile Virus – two human cases and a positive mosquito pool

The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has received notification of two human cases of West Nile Virus.  Both cases are under investigation.  One case is hospitalized.  It has also been reported to the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit that a pool of mosquitoes collected from a trap this week in the Blenheim area has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. West … Read More

West Nile Virus – two human cases and a positive mosquito pool

The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has received notification of two human cases of West Nile Virus.  Both cases are under investigation.  One case is hospitalized.  It has also been reported to the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit that a pool of mosquitoes collected from a trap this week in the Blenheim area has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. West … Read More

September is back-to-school month

Take a few precautions when packing lunches for students! Choose the right foods. Select foods that are not likely to spoil. Examples would be breads/crackers, cheese or nut spreads, fresh fruits &vegetables, juices, cookies, etc. Keep it cold. Pack perishable foods such as meats, cheese, eggs, milk, etc. in ice, ice packs or frozen juice boxes. This will help ensure … Read More

Notice of Pesticide Use

Between August 31 and September 14, 2012, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent will be conducting a larviciding program under the authority of the Local Medical Officer of  Health to control larval mosquitoes in order to prevent their development into vectors of  West Nile virus. The pellet formulation of the larvicide methoprene [Product Name: Altosid, Pest Control Products Act (Canada) Registration Number: … Read More

Blue W – Find Tap Water Anywhere

Refill water logo

Instead of buying bottled drinks, why not carry a reusable water bottle and refill it with free municipal tap water whenever you need to? Have you heard about the Blue W campaign? Blue W is a community-based program that promotes municipal tap water as a healthy, easily accessible alternative to purchasing bottled drinks. Participating businesses are willing to let visitors … Read More

Everything you wanted to know about bedbugs!

Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects about the size of an apple seed. They usually bite at night when people are sleeping. Bites can be found all over the body but often they are around the face, neck, upper torso, arms and hands. Some people don’t react to bedbug bites while others have allergic reactions with welts and itching.  Who … Read More