National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health |

January 2021

Wastewater based epidemiology (WBE), has been proposed as a tool for monitoring the occurrence, spread or resurgence of COVID-19 in the community by detecting viral signals in pooled samples of sewage. This blog outlines the potential application of the technology, current research, and potential challenges for widespread deployment of WBE as a public health tool for pandemic management.

Can CO2 sensors be used to assess COVID-19 transmission risk?

This blog examines the notion of using inexpensive CO2 sensors to monitor ventilation in indoor spaces and their use as a proxy for SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk. ​

Mink farming and SARS-CoV-2: Staying vigilant at the human-animal interface

This blog looks at what is known about the risks posed by SARS-CoV-2 transmission among farmed mink and what can be done to reduce the risks.

January 2021 Environmental Health & COVID-19 Scan

This monthly Research Scan highlights recent environmental health publications by topic and provides easy access to article abstracts and report summaries to support public health professionals, researchers, planners, students, and others working in public health.

CANUE Seeking Volunteers for Advisory Committee 
Submit Applications by January 27, 2021

The Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium (CANUE) and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health are developing online tools that will help people easily access, use and contribute to data on healthy urban environments. CANUE is establishing a volunteer Advisory Committee to ensure a broad perspective reflecting the interests of environmental health professionals, urban planners, and community advocacy organizations. If interested, please submit your application here.


Climate Change and Human Health ECHO
8 Week Training Series — February 17 - April 7, 2021

The Climate Change and Human Health ECHO will provide an evidence based curriculum covering the science of climate change and climate related health effects. Health care providers, public health professionals and community health workers will learn; 1) the impacts of climate change on human health and 2) how to communicate climate impacts with their patients/constituents and community members. Register here.


Integrating Health into Planning Survey
Deadline: January 29th, 2021

Health Canada has provided funding to conduct a study to identify opportunities to improve integration between planning and public health professionals. The purpose of this survey is to build on previous research to understand the current state of integration between the planning and public health professions, identify the barriers and opportunities that currently exist, and discover examples of success. The study as a whole aims to develop practical tools, resources, and strategies that will assist both professions moving forward. Urban Systems has been retained to conduct this survey and develop this study.

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