Open Government Portal

Full-body scanners are devices used in some airports to ensure that passengers are not carrying prohibited items aboard the aircraft. Airport full-body scanners can emit radiofrequency radiation or x-ray radiation. Learn about the radiation they emit and your safety.

Microwave ovens provide a convenient way to thaw, cook, and reheat food. They are now common in most Canadian homes and restaurants, and are found in many commercial and industrial establishments.

In recent years, utility companies in several provinces have started installing wireless smart meters in Canadian businesses and residences. Some people have expressed concern about the possibility of health effects from exposure to the radiofrequency fields that these devices emit.

Wi-Fi is the second most prevalent form of wireless technology in Canada next to cell phones. The technology allows devices such as computers, smart phones, and video game consoles to communicate data wirelessly. Some people are concerned that radiation from Wi-Fi equipment could cause health problems and that children may be at particular risk in school environments.

The reliance on wind as a source of energy is increasing in Canada and around the world. Some residents in communities that host large-scale turbine electricity generators have reported adverse health effects which they attribute to the sound emitted by operating wind turbines.

There is no safe way to tan. Health Canada recommends you do not use tanning equipment (like sunlamps or tanning beds). However, if you do, it is important to know the risks.

With more Canadians using Compact flourescent lamps (CFLs), some have begun to question their safety, including the level of UV emissions, the electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) they create, and the presence of mercury in the lamps.

Some people are concerned that daily exposure to electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) may cause health problems.

Media players offer a convenient way to listen to music in public without disturbing others. However, there are growing concerns that these devices may cause temporary and permanent hearing loss if they are not used with some degree of caution.

Hand-held lasers and laser pointers are popular in Canada. First introduced in the 1960s, lasers are now used in many ways in our everyday lives. Unfortunately, many people who use them don't know about their potential dangers. High powered hand-held lasers are considered a danger to human health or safety.