Our publications

This literature review, initiated at the request of the Table de concertation nationale en santé environnementale (TCNSE), aims to identify groups at risk during heat events and the adaptation measures proposed by other government agencies and in the scientific literature.

Digital technologies have proven essential during the COVID-19 pandemic for jobs and education and to provide access to a range of online activities and services. While the screen time of many Quebecers has increased in this context, inequalities in access and use have been reported. Based on a quick synthesis of the knowledge, the objectives of this publication are to document the digital inequalities faced by populations in economically vulnerable situations, people living in regions that…

This document, written in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, is intended for public building managers, building owners, and all organizations and individuals wishing to learn more about the topics covered in this overview of the scientific and grey literature. This document discusses the current knowledge on carbon dioxide (CO2), its health effects, sources, and relation to building ventilation, as well as the different approaches used to measure this parameter and ways of interpreting……

Global warming could have particularly severe impacts on Canada. It is estimated that temperatures in Canada increased at roughly twice the global mean rate over the 1948–2016 period, with a mean annual increase of 1.7°C compared to a global increase of 0.8°C. Periods of extreme heat have become more frequent and more intense in most provinces. Without appropriate preventive actions, these changes could lead to an increase in mortality and morbidity rates, affecting, among others, urban…

Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS) is a chronic disorder characterized by multiple recurrent non-specific symptoms triggered or exacerbated by exposure to odours present in the environment at low concentrations—concentrations tolerated by most people.

People who are the most severely affected suffer from a chronic impairment that prevents them from functioning normally in their social and professional lives.

This document presents the current knowledge on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in indoor and outdoor environments, specifically in residential settings and public spaces and excluding healthcare facilities and other healthcare settings, as well as on health issues related to cleaners and disinfectants and the suggested “quarantining” of objects.

Air conditioners and electric fans remain appropriate cooling methods during a pandemic when used properly and when certain precautions are applied.

This document presents current knowledge about the risk of COVID-19 transmission at artificial and natural swimming sites. It provides general recommendations to site users and operators.

Artificial swimming sites include facilities such as indoor and outdoor pools, spas, splash pads, misters and wading pools. Natural sites refers to beaches.

For ministries and organizations to be better positioned to collaboratively design new ways to reduce social inequalities in health (SIH), there is a need to clarify the pivotal role of reducing social inequalities across all levels of government and cross-sectoral efforts in preventing negative impacts on population health, and the potential contribution of multiple sectors to improving the health and well-being of the Québec population.​

This report presents findings from a scoping review with analysis of the literature on competencies for healthy public policy. It is intended to inform public health professionals about the trends and tendencies over the past 15 years or so related to what public health schools, organizations, and authorities have done and are doing with regard to developing competency frameworks as one tool for increasing their ability to intervene in public policy. In addition to presenting the…