Hoarding

Public health inspectors work with other support agencies in investigating hoarding complaints. Inspectors assess whether health hazards exist and work with the client, family members, the public, and other agencies to improve the situation.

hoarding can be described as the extreme collection of items such as newspapers, books, and food that clutter a person’s living space, preventing that person from using the room as intended. This compulsive collection of items also causes the person distress and can affect their daily activities.

There are many health and safety risks associated with hoarding or accumulation of a large amount of clutter. For example, a large collection of flammable materials can be a fire risk not only for the person with hoarding behaviours, but also for neighbours.

For more information, download the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation’s fact sheet on hoarding.

Marginalized populations

Marginalized populations are groups of people who have less access to important resources and face big challenges in their daily lives. This may make the places where they live unsafe and unhealthy for them and the people around them.

Public health inspectors investigate complaints about marginalized people when there might be health hazard. Inspectors assess whether health hazards exist and work with the client, family members, the public ,and agencies to improve the situation. They share ideas and strategies to reduce health inequities and help make lasting changes that keep communities healthy.