Environmental Contaminants Bureau

The Environmental Contaminants Bureau collects, generates and analyzes scientific information for assessing the human health risks posed by air pollutants, commercial chemicals and other substances that contaminate the environment. The Bureau works with partners, particularly Environment Canada, to develop strategies for limiting public exposure to those substances whose releases into the environment are found to pose an undue risk to human health. The Bureau also investigates human health concerns with respect to residential indoor air and provides health advice on a broad range of environmental health issues to the general public and to federal, provincial and territorial partners. Most Bureau activities are carried out to fulfil responsibilities under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

The Bureau also:

• Develops and implements risk management initiatives for air quality, atmospheric factors, airborne contaminants and indoor environments.
• Conducts specialized research on the impact of air pollutants on human health.
• Develops national guidelines and standards to improve indoor environments.