There are numerous chemicals, both natural and manufactured, in the environment and in our homes that can adversely affect human health.
Lead
Lead is a toxic metal found naturally in the environment. It was widely used in the past in paints, gasoline, plumbing, and household products.
Health Effects
Lead exposure can harm health. The risk depends on how much lead a person is exposed to, for how long, and their age.
Infants, children, and pregnant people are most at risk. Children absorb lead more easily, and their brains and nervous systems are still developing. Lead exposure can cause learning and behaviour problems, irritability, and delayed development. Common behaviours like crawling and putting objects in the mouth increase risk.
During pregnancy, lead can pass to the baby. There is no known safe level of lead in a child’s blood.
Adults exposed to lead over time may develop high blood pressure, stomach pain, constipation, fatigue, mood changes, anaemia, and reduced sex drive. High short‑term exposure is rare in Canada.
Common Sources of Lead
Most people are exposed to small amounts of lead through everyday sources. These include:
- Food: Small amounts of lead are found in most foods due to soil and air contamination.
- Drinking water: Lead can enter water through older pipes and plumbing.
- Paint: Homes built before the 1960s may have lead‑based paint. Peeling paint and dust are the biggest risks, especially on windows, doors, and stairs.
- Dust: Lead dust forms from old paint, soil, or some workplaces and can be easily spread indoors.
- Soil: Soil near homes may contain lead from past industrial activity, paint, or vehicle emissions.
- Air: Industrial emissions can release lead into the air, though levels have declined since leaded gasoline was banned.
Other sources include some PVC blinds, lead‑glazed ceramics, certain jobs or hobbies involving lead, burning painted materials, and some imported products.
Reducing Lead Exposure at Home
You can lower your risk by taking these steps:
- Clean up paint chips right away
- Wet‑clean floors, windowsills, and surfaces weekly
- Wash children’s hands, toys, and pacifiers often
- Keep children from chewing painted surfaces
- Remove shoes at the door to keep soil out
- Use a high‑efficiency vacuum and change furnace filters regularly
- Wear protective gear when working in dusty areas
In Older Homes
- Use cold water only for drinking, cooking, and baby formula
- Let water run until cold if it has sat unused for several hours
- Ask your municipality about programs to replace lead service lines
Interim Measures
These short‑term actions need regular upkeep:
- Repair and repaint damaged paint
- Cover bare soil with grass or other ground cover
If you have concerns regarding possible lead exposure speak to your medical practitioner.
For more information on lead contact us (Internal Link) or see Health Canada’s factsheet https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/environmental-contaminants/lead/lead-information-package-some-commonly-asked-questions-about-lead-human-health.html
Mercury
Mercury is a silver-coloured metal that is liquid at room temperature. There are different types of mercury, and all can be harmful depending on how much you are exposed to and how it enters the body.
Common Sources of Mercury and How to Reduce Risk
Spills
Mercury was once used in items like thermometers, thermostats, and fluorescent light bulbs. If these break, mercury must be cleaned up safely. Do not vacuum or sweep mercury. Follow approved cleanup instructions https://ncceh.ca/sites/default/files/Small_Mercury_Spills_Clean-up_Oct_2015.pdf or https://tc.canada.ca/en/dangerous-goods/canutec/articles/mercury-thermometer-spills-what-do or contact professionals for help.
Dental Fillings
Mercury in dental fillings usually does not cause health problems. When fillings need repair or replacement, you may choose non‑mercury options. Pregnant people, those allergic to mercury, people with kidney disease, and children should avoid mercury fillings.
Drinking Water
Municipal drinking water is regularly tested for mercury. If you use a private well or surface water and are concerned, you can have your water tested by a private laboratory. The Canadian guideline for mercury in drinking water is 0.001 mg/L.
Fish
Fish is the main food source of mercury. Larger fish, such as tuna, swordfish, marlin, and pike, usually have higher mercury levels. Follow Government of Canada fish consumption advice (Link)to enjoy the health benefits of fish while limiting mercury exposure. If you eat sport fish, follow the Ontario fishing guide (Link).
For more information, visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/environment/mercury-human-health.html
Benzene
What it is
Benzene is a chemical used to make plastics and other products.
Where it’s found
- Gasoline and their fumes
- Vehicle exhaust
- tobacco smoke
- some industrial areas.
Health risks
Long-term exposure can harm bone marrow and increase the risk of blood cancers.
For more information, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/benzene-releases-gasoline-stations-implications-human-health.html
How to stay safe
- Avoid tobacco smoke
- Limit time near idling vehicles or fuel fumes
- Use ventilation when using products that release strong vapors.
Click here [RO1] if you would like more information on smoking cessation
Cadmium
What it is
Cadmium is a metal found naturally in the environment. It is also released through industrial activities and can build up in the body over time.
Where it’s found
Cadmium may be found in:
- Cigarette smoke
- Some foods, such as shellfish, organ meats, and certain grains
- Batteries and some electronic products
- Industrial sites and contaminated soil or water
Health risks
Long‑term exposure to cadmium can damage the kidneys and bones. It may also increase the risk of lung disease. Children and people who smoke are at higher risk of exposure.
How to stay safe
- Do not smoke and avoid second‑hand smoke.
- Eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods.
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
- Follow local guidance when gardening or growing food in areas with contaminated soil.
- Dispose of batteries and electronic waste properly.
For more information, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/environmental-contaminants/human-biomonitoring-resources/cadmium-canadians.html
Pesticides
What they are
Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests like insects, weeds, and fungi.
Where they’re found
- Pesticides may be found in:
- Farm and agricultural areas
- Home gardens and lawns
- Parks and green spaces
- On food
Health risks
Short-term exposure to pesticides can cause:
- skin or eye irritation
- nausea
- headaches
Long-term exposure may increase the risk of chronic health effects, depending on the type of pesticide and the level of exposure.
How to Stay Safe
It’s best to reduce pesticide use when possible by using a combination of biological, cultural, and physical pest-control methods.
If pesticides must be used:
- Choose pesticides that are registered
- Use pesticides for their intended uses and always follow the directions on the label.
- Store pesticides safely and in their original container.
- Keep children and pets away from treated areas.
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
When to Get Help
If you think you or someone else has been exposed to a dangerous chemical, call Ontario Poison Centre, your health care provider, or Health811 right away.
For ongoing environmental concerns, contact the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to ask about testing water, soil, or air.
Petrochemicals
What they are
Petrochemicals are chemicals made from oil and natural gas. They are used to produce many everyday products, such as plastics, fuels, solvents, and synthetic fabrics.
Where they’re found
Petrochemicals may be found in:
- Gasoline and diesel fuel
- Plastics and packaging
- Cleaning products and solvents
- Industrial emissions and spills
Health risks
Some petrochemicals can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Long‑term or high‑level exposure to certain petrochemicals may affect the nervous system or increase the risk of serious health effects, depending on the chemical.
How to stay safe
- Use household and automotive products as directed.
- Store fuels, solvents, and chemicals safely, and away from living areas.
- Ensure good ventilation when using products that emit strong fumes.
- Avoid contact with spills and report large spills to local authorities.
For more information, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/fact-sheets/chemicals-glance/select-hydrocarbon-based-substances.html and https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-markets/market-snapshots/2018/market-snapshot-petrochemical-products-in-everyday-life.html
Contaminated Soil and Gardening
Some garden soils may contain harmful chemicals or heavy metals, such as lead. Choose garden sites carefully to reduce exposure.
Avoid planting gardens:
- Within 5 metres of older buildings that may have been painted with lead‑based paint
- Within 30 metres of busy roads or old parking areas (over 30 years old)
- Within 2 kilometres of current or former industrial sites
Reducing Risk When Gardening
The best way to reduce risk depends on what you are planting. These general steps can help:
- Place a barrier (such as landscape fabric or plastic) between contaminated and clean soil, and allow for drainage
- Use raised beds or containers filled with clean soil; avoid pressure‑treated wood
- Replace contaminated soil with clean fill, using proper safety measures
- Cover flowerbeds with mulch to reduce contact with soil
- Add compost or other organic matter to reduce how much metal plants absorb
- Add lime to soil to help lower lead uptake
- Lightly wet soil when working to reduce dust
Choosing Safer Crops
- Fruits and seeds usually absorb less contamination than leaves or roots
- Root vegetables and tubers often have higher contamination, especially in the skin
- Fruit crops such as tomatoes, berries, apples, and cucumbers are lower risk
- Leafy greens can collect more dust and contaminants
Cleaning Produce
- Rinse vegetables before bringing them indoors
- Wash all fruits and vegetables with drinking water before eating
- Use a scrub brush when possible
- Peel root vegetables to reduce exposure
Other Safety Tips
- Wear shoes and clothing only for gardening and remove them before going inside
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while gardening
- Clean tools outdoors after use and store them outside
- Wash hands and exposed skin after gardening
- Keep young children away from contaminated soil
- Brush pets outdoors to reduce soil dust indoors
For more information about gardening, contact us (Internal Link) or see Manitoba Health’s fact sheet:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/docs/gardening_soil_contaminants.pdf.