Our job is to help create healthy environments in which people can live, work and play. A health hazard is anything in the condition of a building or property; material (solid, liquid or gas); or plant or animal that could make people sick or unsafe.
Public Health works to reduce health risks from air, water, food, housing, climate, and the built environment.
- We inspect, monitor, investigate, and educate to prevent illness and injury.
- We respond to complaints and emergencies, and enforce health regulations.
- We work with community partners to create safer, healthier environments for everyone.
- Our work prioritizes prevention, equity, and clear information residents can use daily.
Browse this section for information on emergencies, and indoor and outdoor health hazards.
Report a health hazard
If you think you are dealing with a health hazard, report it. When we receive a report, we will review the issue.
Health hazards at work
Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Health hazards at home
- Homeowners: We will provide advice and information on options to reduce the issue.
- Tenants: We will investigate the issue directly or refer you to your municipality if their local by-laws apply to the complaint.
Local health issues (ongoing)
In July 2012, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change notified Public Health Sudbury & Districts that there were elevated levels of arsenic in the water at the south west end of Long Lake due to run off from the abandoned Long Lake Gold Mine.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts notified affected residents of potential risks associated with water use. The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) initiated a detailed remediation proposal.
On October 20, 2025, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) advised Public Health Sudbury & Districts that water samples collected by MECP from the west section of House Lake on August 8, 2024, had concentrations of arsenic that exceeded the Ontario Drinking Water Standards (ODWS). This location is near the abandoned McMillan Gold Mine.