Healthy Home Environmental Health Survey
Final Report

Prepared for Health Canada

Supplier name: Kantar
Contract number: HT372-214050/001/CY
Contract value: $99,996.32 (including HST)
Award date: November 18, 2021
Delivery date: March 30, 2022

Registration number: POR # 040-21

For more information on this report, please contact: hc.cpab.por-rop.dgcap.sc@canada.ca

Ce rapport est aussi disponible en français.

Healthy Home Environment Health Survey

Final Report

Prepared for Health Canada
Supplier name: Kantar
March 2022

Health Canada commissioned Kantar to conduct a public opinion research survey assessing Canadians' knowledge, awareness and behaviours on environmental health issues. This study was conducted online with 2,187 Canadians. 1,502 were drawn to be reflective of the population from age, gender and regional perspective and the remaining n=685 included an oversample of each of the following groups: Parents/guardians of children aged 6 and under (n=153), pregnant people or people planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months (n=190), seniors (65 years or older) (n=152), and newcomers to Canada (in Canada 5 years or less) (n=190)

Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre: Sondage sur la salubrité de l'environnement pour des maisons en santé

This publication may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes only. Prior written permission must be obtained from Health Canada. For more information on this report, please contact Health Canada at hc.cpab.por-rop.dgcap.sc@canada.ca or at:

Health Canada
200 Eglantine Driveway, Tunney's Pasture
Jeanne Mance Building, AL 1915C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9

Catalogue Number:
H14-394/2022E-PDF

International Standard Book Number (ISBN):
978-0-660-43139-0

Related publications (registration number: POR # 040-21):
Catalogue Number: H14-394/2022F-PDF (Final Report, French)
ISBN: 978-0-660-43140-6

^©Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Health, 2022

Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
1.1. Research Purpose and Objectives
1.1.1. Background
1.1.2. Research Objectives
1.2. Summary of Findings
1.2.1. Strategic Implications
1.3. Methodology
1.3.1. Sub-group analyses, statistical significance and rounding
1.4. Contract Value
1.5. Statement of Political Neutrality
2. Detailed Findings
2.1. Research Purpose and Objectives
2.1.1. Background
2.1.2. Research Objectives
2.2. Canadians Knowledge and Concerns of Environmental Health Issues
2.2.1. Product related concerns
2.2.2. Environment related concerns
2.2.3. Chemical related concerns
2.2.4. Most common environmental health concerns among Canadians
2.3. Personal Care Products
2.3.1. Ingredient review
2.3.2. Ingredient avoidance
2.4. Cleaning Behaviours
2.4.1. Home cleaning behaviours
2.5. Food Safety
2.5.1. Preparation, cooking and food storage behaviours
2.6. Renovation Behaviours
2.6.1. Recent Renovations among Canadians
2.6.2. Renovation behaviours
2.7. Environmental Health Behaviours
2.7.1. Testing behaviours
2.7.2. Inspection and monitoring behaviours
2.8. Protective Behaviours
2.8.1. Behaviours that reduce risk
2.8.2. Carbon monoxide alarm in home and location
2.9. Barriers and Motivators for Maintaining a Healthy Home
2.9.1. Barriers to maintaining a healthy home
2.9.2. Motivation for maintaining a health home
2.10. Communication with Canadians about Environment Health Risks
2.10.1. Where Canadians look for information
2.10.2. Preferred format
3. Appendix A: Methodology
4. Appendix B: Survey Instrument

1. Executive Summary

1.1. Research Purpose and Objectives

1.1.1. Background

The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is a jointly managed, (Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada) horizontal initiative aimed at reducing the risks posed by chemicals to Canadians and their environment.

Health Canada works to increase the public's awareness of the risks associated with chemicals and pollutants, as well as proposing actions that could be taken by Canadians to reduce their exposures.

In 2017, an online survey was conducted to assess Canadians' knowledge, awareness and behaviours on environmental health issues. Results of this survey helped to shape the Healthy Home campaign that was launched in 2019. The Healthy Home campaign provides science-based information to Canadians that motivates them to take action to protect themselves and their families from chemicals and pollutants in and around the home. The campaign aims to move from awareness to actual behaviour change.

The results of the survey will serve as a baseline to help the program measure its effectiveness under a renewed CMP. It is essential to establish a baseline of the perceptions of the health risks of chemicals in order to effectively tailor the engagement and outreach with Canadians, including the most vulnerable. Specifically, the results will help continue to shape the Healthy Home campaign into its next phase.

1.1.2. Research Objectives

The overall objective of this research was to determine Canadians' awareness and understanding of chemicals and pollutants, as well as their actual behaviours related to these risks at home. More specifically, the survey was designed to address the following objectives:

• Assess target audience's knowledge of environmental health issues;
• Determine which environmental health issues are of concern to Canadians;
• Identify Canadians' current environmental health protective behaviours;
• Identify barriers and motivators to taking action to reduce the health risks from possible contaminants in the home;
• Discover how Canadians prefer to receive their information on this topic; and
• Compare results, where possible, with baseline surveys from 2016 and 2017.

1.2. Summary of Findings

Product related concerns

The vast majority of Canadians were able to identify that some common household products pose a health risk (89%). Primary products of concern include pesticides (74%), lead contained in paint (69%), household chemicals/cleaners (60%), and/or paint strippers/thinners (60%). Only half (50%) were aware that certain chemicals in building materials like adhesives, sealants, or insulators could pose health risks. Fewer were able to identify that certain chemicals in home fragrance (36%), personal care products (28%), craft/hobby materials (24%), composite wood products (24%), and/or natural health products (15%) may pose health risks, while one-in-ten (11%) did not think any of the previously mentioned products posed health risks.

Environment related concerns

Canadians identified common environmental threats as health risks, including cigarette smoke (77%), carbon monoxide (77%), mould/humidity (72%), asbestos (70%), radon gas (64%), and radiation (64%). Close to half also identify cannabis smoke (51%), putting batteries/lightbulbs/chemical products in the garbage (49%), or flushing/throwing out pharmaceuticals and medications (46%) as health risks. Fewer are concerned about wood smoke (39%) or single use plastics (34%), while environmental risks like indoor air (23%), outdoor air (18%), drinking water (16%), or soil (11%) rank lowest among health concerns. While this list is not directly comparable to 2017 results, it does appear that Canadians' concerns about carbon monoxide and cigarette smoke have increased since the last wave of research (41-44% considered a health risk in 2017).

Chemical related concerns

Canadians are better able to recognize the health risks of chemical products than in 2017. Most identify lead (72%), mercury (71%), and formaldehyde (59%) as health risks. While not directly comparable due to different product lists in the 2017 survey, fewer (39-55%) identified these chemicals as a health risk in 2017. Between one-third and one-half of Canadians are concerned about other household chemicals, including benzene (47%), Bisphenol A (43%), boric acid (43%), flame retardants (41%), phthalates (35%), aluminum (32%), talc (31%) and triclosan (31%).

Environmental Health Concerns

Canadians' primary environmental health concerns vary widely. When asked to choose their top three health concerns from the lists mentioned above, Canadians were most likely to say carbon monoxide was their primary health concern (17%), followed by mould/humidity (11%), and cigarette smoke (9%).

Personal Care Products

More than half of Canadians (58%) are interested in the ingredients found in their personal care products, with 43 per cent saying they check ingredients lists of their products, while fewer say they avoid products with specific ingredients (30%). Among those who check or avoid specific ingredients in their personal care products, the most common ingredients of concern are formaldehyde (48%) and aluminum (43%).

Home Cleaning

When cleaning their homes, Canadians generally say they follow most safety precautions. However, one-in-ten say they always (7%) or usually (7%) mix household chemical products together, which suggests a sizeable minority of Canadians are engaging in potentially hazardous practices.

Food Safety

Most Canadians appear to take steps to keep harmful chemicals out of their food. The majority say they discard single use-plastic containers (79%), look for a "microwave safe" label on containers before microwaving (74% always or usually do), or store food in food-grade containers (62%). Many also say they use their range hood when cooking (60%) and let the tap run cold before drinking water (57%). However, a sizeable number say they always or usually store foods in single-use plastics (36%), heat foods in single-use plastics (19%), or pour hot liquids into single-use plastics (18%).

Home Renovations

Most (81%) Canadians have completed interior renovations in their home. This includes both minor projects like painting furniture or walls to more major projects like finishing a basement. Of these, there was an even distribution between renovations completed in the past 12 months (29%), past five years (26%), or more than five years ago (26%).

Both lead and asbestos may be present in Canadian homes built before 1990-1991. Asbestos was used in some homes built prior to 1990, while homes built before 1991 may contain lead-based paint. However, only one-third of Canadians say they always or usually consult a professional before removing asbestos (35%) or test for lead-based paint before removing or stripping paint from walls (31%). Of note, Canadians who own a home built prior to 1976 are the least likely to say they always or usually consult a professional about testing or removing asbestos (25% vs. 36-41% among those who own a home built after 1976). Similarly, these those who own homes built prior to 1976 are less likely to consult a professional about lead paint (25% vs. 35%). This suggests a significant number of Canadians with older homes are potentially putting their health at risk during renovations.

Environmental Health Behaviours

When it comes to preventative measures, many Canadians do not appear to be engaging in environmental health testing, such as, testing for lead, radon or asbestos. Few Canadians are testing their drinking water, with just over one-in-ten saying they tested their water for potential contaminants (15%) or lead (13%). Even fewer (9%) say they have tested for radon in their homes.

In terms of inspection and monitoring behaviours, Canadians generally take more steps than they do for environmental health testing; however, uptake remains low. One-quarter complete annual inspections for their furnace (27%), air conditioner (23%), hot water heater (19%), or gas or wood fireplace (17%).

Protective Behaviours

As part of the Healthy Home campaign, Health Canada recommended Canadians take ten simple steps to protect themselves from chemicals and pollutants in their environment. When asked specifically about how often they engage in these behaviours, over half of Canadians say they always or usually engage in healthy home behaviours, including keeping indoor moisture and humidity levels low (74%), disposing of chemical products according to municipal guidelines (69%), turning on exhaust fans or opening windows when showering (65%), cleaning mould with water and dish soap (62%), and taking unused pharmaceuticals to a pharmacy for disposal (54%).

Despite carbon monoxide being the number one safety concern of Canadians, less than half (47%) have installed a carbon monoxide alarm in their home. This also marks a decrease from 2016, when over half (57%) said they had a carbon monoxide detector in their home. Among the 47 per cent of Canadians that have installed a carbon monoxide alarm in their home, the majority (57%) installed one in a hallway outside sleeping areas or the main floor of the home (50%). Fewer said they installed alarms beside a fuel burning appliance (29%), in a bedroom (16%), or in a basement (4%).

Barriers and Motivators

Barriers to maintenance of a healthy home may include awareness of health hazards. Despite the low awareness of many health risks outlined in this report, one-third of Canadians say they have no barriers because they currently maintain a healthy home (33%). Many Canadians (30%) also feel they do not have control over issues because they are renters. This signals that renters may not be aware of their provincial or territorial tenant rights.

These were also the most common responses in the 2016 research; however, while results are not directly comparable, the magnitude of those who feel confident in their ability to maintain a healthy home has decreased. This may be a function of Canadians now having greater awareness of various health risks.

When it comes to encouraging Canadians to maintain a healthier home, the majority cite personal health (61%) or the health of their family and children (51%) as their primary motivators. Relatedly, many (38%) were also motivated by fears about illness due to unaddressed risk and environmental concerns.

When it comes to motivators for implementing solutions, motivations included a better understanding of risks (44%), easy and free ways to address risks (42%), government funding (32%), and government incentives (29%).

Reaching Canadians about Environmental Health Issues

Canadians look to a variety of sources for information on potential health risks in their home. The most common include search engines (39%), manufacturer product labels (29%), the Government of Canada website (25%), friends and family (24%), or the Public Health unit website (23%). This marks a departure from 2016, when manufacturer product labels were the most frequently consulted source of health risk information (38%) and few (5%) consulted the Government of Canada website. This suggests a significant number of Canadians may be aware of the Healthy Home campaign and trust the government to provide health risk information.

When looking for information on health risks, more than half of Canadians prefer the format of websites (57%), followed by YouTube (27%) and speaking to a health professional (24%). In 2016, websites were also the preferred source of information about health risks (65%). Since that time, YouTube, Facebook, and other social media sites are increasing in preference (0-17% in 2016 vs. 4-27% in 2021).

Parents of children six and under

Young children are at increased risk from pollutants and chemicals due to their smaller bodies, breathing rate, heart rate, and developing organs. Consequently, parents or guardians of young children (0-6) are more likely than the general population to be concerned about the environmental health risks of cigarette smoke (89% vs. 76%), carbon monoxide (88% vs. 76%), and/or mould/humidity (82% vs. 72%), and are more likely to say they keep household chemical products out of reach and sight of young children (89% vs. 66%). Parents of young children are also more likely than the general population to follow almost all safety measures when completing renovations, including keeping children away from worksites.

Regarding other safety behaviours and concerns, parents of young children are quite similar in their behaviours to the rest of the general population (i.e., those with older or no children). This suggests parents of young children may benefit from greater education about mitigating risks, including not heating food in single-use plastics, not using boric acid in crafts, reducing mould growth, servicing woodstoves or fireplaces annually, and checking the Air Health Quality Index (AQHI) before planning outdoor activities.

Pregnant People

As with young children, chemicals and pollutants pose an elevated risk for developing fetuses. Thus, Health Canada advises additional safety measures for pregnant people that include limiting chemicals and pollutants as much as possible, staying out of the house during repairs or renovations, and avoiding the microwaving and pouring of hot liquids into single-use plastic bottles, as these may melt or leach chemicals into food.

Pregnant people were more likely to say they had renovated in the past five years, but also more likely to agree they always or usually kept vulnerable people (including themselves) away from the worksite (80% vs. 65% among the general population).

However, when it comes to other safety behaviours of concern, pregnant people generally do not behave differently than the general population. This includes a minority that heat food in single-use plastics, mix household chemicals, or test for lead in house paint or drinking water. While pregnant people are directionally more likely than the general population to be concerned about boric acid (52% vs. 43%) these figures suggest half of pregnant people may not know this household chemical may pose developmental and reproductive health risks.

Not unexpectedly, pregnant people report greater barriers of cost (30% vs. 20% among the general population) and not having enough time (21% vs. 12%). As with the general population, pregnant people are most likely to look to social media for information on potential health risks in their home; however, pregnant people are also more likely to look to social media than the general population (24% vs. 11%) and to rely on friends and family as a source of information (40% vs. 23%). This supports continuing to use social media to target this population.

Seniors

Older adults in Canada (55+) differ from younger and middle-aged Canadians (18-54) in a number of ways that suggest this group is more mindful of health risks in the home. While this survey did include a subsample of seniors (65+), there were no major differences between those 55+ and 65+ unless otherwise noted.

Older adults (55+) were more likely than those under 55 to say they were concerned about the health risks of all chemicals, pollutants, and personal care product ingredients included in this research. Those 55+ were also more likely to say they follow all safe renovation practices, have carbon monoxide alarms installed, and have their furnace, fireplace, or air conditioner serviced annually. They were also the least likely to report any practices that could compromise food safety. Encouragingly, those 55+ were also more likely than their 18-54 counterparts to say they bring unused pharmaceuticals to a pharmacy for disposal (67% vs. 44-48%).

People with pre-existing health conditions

Canadians with pre-existing health conditions generally behaved very similar to those without health conditions. However, this group was understandably more concerned overall about the health risks of all chemicals, products, and pollutants included in this research.

The Government of Canada recommends that people with pre-existing health conditions consult the AQHI before planning outdoor activities. While those with a pre-existing health condition are more likely to check the AQHI during a heatwave than those without a health condition (25% vs. 15%), the low uptake of this tool may suggest a need for further awareness of risks and benefits.

Newcomers to Canada

Newcomers to Canada differed significantly from the general population in a number of ways that suggest this population needs additional supports to mitigate their health risks.

More specifically, when compared the general population, newcomers to Canada:

• Are less likely to be concerned about the risks of most environmental concerns;
• Are less concerned about the health risks of chemicals;
• Are more likely than the general population to say they always or usually heat food in single-use containers (30% vs. 19%) or pour hot liquids into single-use containers (27% vs. 17%);
• Are less likely to say they usually or always take unused pharmaceuticals to a pharmacy for disposal (43% vs. 56%); and
• Are less likely to have installed a carbon monoxide alarm (34% vs. 47%).

However, newcomers say they are more likely than the rest of the population to read ingredient lists (60% vs. 40% among gen pop) and avoid specific ingredients (39% vs. 29%). They are also more likely to test for lead in their water (23% vs. 13% among gen pop) or house paint (14% vs. 7%).

When it comes to motivations for change, newcomers are more likely than the general population to be concerned about the health of their family and children (56% vs, 46%) and environment (48% vs. 35%), while a major barrier is being a renter so not having control over the issue of concerns (46% vs. 28%). When looking for information on health risks, as with the general population newcomers generally look towards search engines, but are also more likely to prefer almost all social media formats, including YouTube (45% vs. 26% among gen pop) and Facebook (20% vs. 14%).

Comparisons to Previous Years

In 2016, Health Canada commissioned baseline research on healthy home behaviours titled Canadian Environmental Health Habits and Behaviours Survey. While this survey was similar in scope, changes the questionnaire mean that most results are not directly comparable. Where results are comparable, the following changes versus 2016 were observed:

• The number of Canadians who report installing a carbon monoxide alarm has decreased (47% in 2021 vs. 57% in 2016);
• In 2021 Canadians are looking to a wider variety of sources for information on potential health risks in their home, with search engines (39%), manufacturer product labels (29%), the Government of Canada website (25%), friends and family (24%), and/or the Public Health unit website (23%) being stated most often. In contrast, most Canadians consulted manufacturer labels in 2016 (38%) and few (5%) consulted the Government of Canada website; and
• Websites remain the preferred format for information on health risks but this has decreased vs. 2016 (57% vs. 65%). Since that time, YouTube, Facebook, and other social media sites have risen in preference (4-27% in 2021 vs. 0-17% in 2016).

Similarly, Health Canada commissioned a study in 2017 titled Chemicals Management and Environmental Health Issues Survey and Focus Groups respectively. Results were not directly comparable due to different sampling and questionnaires, but the following directional differences have been noted versus 2017:

• Canadians appear to be increasingly able to recognize the health risks of some chemical products, including lead (72% in 2021 vs. 55% in 2017), mercury (71% vs. 50%), and formaldehyde (59% vs. 39%);
• Canadians appear to be concerned about the environmental health risks of carbon monoxide (77% in 2021 vs. 44% in 2017), cigarette smoke (77% vs. 41%), and radon gas (64% vs. 28%); and
• Canadians are more likely to have tested their homes for radon (9% in 2021 vs. 5% in 2017).

1.2.1. Strategic Implications

The results of this research suggest some positive trends around awareness of health risks among Canadians. However, the current research suggests many knowledge gaps continue to exist that may be putting Canadians at greater risk of adverse health impacts from chemicals and pollutants. As such, there is an opportunity for the Healthy Home campaign to further support Canadians in a number of areas including:

• 1. A continued focus on environmental threats to health and how Canadians can address them.
  • While awareness about the risk of carbon monoxide has increased, less than half of Canadians have taken the step of installing a carbon monoxide alarm. Similarly, many Canadians now report concerns about asbestos, lead, and radon, but few take steps to test for these contaminants.
• 2. An increased focus on the risk of food safety, particularly as it concerns single use plastics.
  • Many Canadians are engaging in behaviours that risk chemicals leaching into their food and beverages, including pregnant people and parents of young children who are at particular risk. Further, single-use plastics rate low on the list of environmental health concerns among the majority of Canadians.
• 3. Increased outreach to vulnerable groups, including pregnant people, parents of young children, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
  • People in the aforementioned at-risk groups behave similarly to the general population when it comes to most behaviours, suggesting these populations could benefit from further information about risks and suggested precautions. Further, all of these groups are more likely than the general population to say they are motivated to change behaviours for their personal health or the health of their family, which suggests they will be receptive to receiving information on potential health impacts.
  • Encouragingly, seniors take more safety steps and are more conscientious overall about health risks than the general population.
• 4. Increased focus on newcomers to Canada who need additional supports mitigating health risks.
  • Newcomers were at a greater overall risk in almost all areas identified in this research. Look to better connect with this population in ways that speak to their primary concerns (personal, family, and environmental health) through online channels where they are more engaged.
• 5. Awareness remains a primary barrier for Canadians when it comes to maintaining a healthy home. One notable barrier is that of home ownership, with many Canadians saying health risks are out of their control because they rent their dwelling. This signals that these Canadians may not be aware of their provincial and territorial tenant rights or of tests and inspections they can complete independently. Renters may also not realize that there are many actions that they can personally take to create a healthier home environment. Given that newcomers to Canada are disproportionately likely to be renters, addressing knowledge gaps among renters will also likely have a positive impact on newcomers' health risks.

1.3. Methodology

An online survey was conducted among 2,187 Canadians aged 18 years and older;

1,502 were drawn to be reflective of the population from age, gender and regional perspective and the remaining n=685 included an oversample of each of the following groups: Parents/guardians of children aged 6 and under (n=153), pregnant people or people planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months (n=190), seniors (65 years or older) (n=152), and newcomers to Canada (in Canada 5 years or less) (n=190).

This survey was conducted online using a panel sample. As such this constitutes a non-probability sample, and margin of error therefore cannot be calculated and conclusions from these results cannot be generalized to any population.

A pre-test was undertaken on January 21, 2022 obtaining 10 English and 10 French completions, including probing questions. Based on the results of the pre-test, no changes were required and as such the results of the 20 completes were included in the final data set. The survey was in field from January 24 – February 7, 2022.

A detailed methodology can be found in Chapter 4.1.

1.3.1. Sub-group analyses, statistical significance and rounding

Analysis was undertaken to establish differences between the total population that was surveyed and a number of demographics within this group. More specifically analysis was undertaken to identify any differences based on age, gender, region, household income, those with children in their household, those with disabilities, those with a health condition, dwelling type, home ownership, dwelling age, those who have completed home renovations. Analysis was also undertaken to determine differences between the general population and groups of interest/vulnerable populations which include parents/guardians of children aged 6 and under, pregnant people or those planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months, seniors, and newcomers to Canada. Exact breaks can be found in the detailed tables. Only differences significant at the 95% confidence level are presented in this report. Any differences that are statistically significant (t-test) between these subgroups are indicated by denoting the column letter within the tables throughout the report. For example, in the table below Older Canadians (55+) are significantly more likely to say they have installed a carbon monoxide alarm in their home than younger and middle-aged Canadians (18-54).

The numbers presented throughout this report are rounded to the closest full number. Due to this rounding, in some cases it may appear that ratings collapsed together are different by a percentage point from when they are presented individually, and totals may not add up to 100%.

1.4. Contract Value

The total contract value for the project was $99,996.32 including applicable taxes.

1.5. Statement of Political Neutrality

I hereby certify as a representative of Kantar that the deliverables fully comply with the Government of Canada political neutrality requirements outlined in the Directive on the Management of Communications and Procedures for Planning and Contracting Public Opinion Research. Specifically, the deliverables do not include information on electoral voting intentions, political party preferences, or standings with the electorate or ratings of the performance of a political party or its leaders.

Tanya Whitehead
Kantar
Vice President, Public Practice Leader

2. Detailed Findings

2.1. Research Purpose and Objectives

2.1.1. Background

The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is a jointly managed, (Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada) horizontal initiative aimed at reducing the risks posed by chemicals to Canadians and their environment.

Health Canada works to increase the public's awareness of the risks associated with chemicals and pollutants, as well as proposing actions that could be taken by Canadians to reduce their exposures.

In 2017, an online survey was conducted to assess Canadians' knowledge, awareness and behaviours on environmental health issues. Results of this survey helped to shape the Healthy Home campaign that was launched in 2019. The Healthy Home campaign provides science-based information to Canadians that motivates them to take action to protect themselves and their families from chemicals and pollutants in and around the home. The campaign aims to move from awareness to actual behaviour change.

The results of the survey will serve as a baseline to help the program measure its effectiveness under a renewed Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). It is essential to establish a baseline of the perceptions of the health risks of chemicals in order to effectively tailor the engagement and outreach with Canadians, including the most vulnerable. Specifically, the results will help continue to shape the Healthy Home campaign into its next phase.

2.1.2. Research Objectives

The overall objective of this research was to determine Canadians' awareness and understanding of chemicals and pollutants, as well as their actual behaviours related to these risks at home. More specifically, the survey was designed to address the following objectives:

• Assess target audience's knowledge of environmental health issues;
• Determine which environmental health issues are of concern to Canadians;
• Identify Canadians' current environmental health protective behaviours;
• Identify barriers and motivators to taking action to reduce the health risks from possible contaminants in the home;
• Discover how Canadians prefer to receive their information on this topic; and
• Compare results, where possible, with baseline surveys from 2016-2017.

2.2. Canadians Knowledge and Concerns of Environmental Health Issues

2.2.1. Product related concerns

The vast majority of Canadians were able to identify that some common household products pose a health risk (89%). Primary products of concern include pesticides (74%), lead contained in paint (69%), household chemicals/cleaners (60%), and paint strippers/thinners (60%). Only half (50%) were aware that certain chemicals in building materials like adhesives, sealants, or insulators could pose health risks. Fewer were able to identify that certain chemicals in home fragrance (36%), personal care products (28%), craft/hobby materials (24%), composite wood products (24%), and/or natural health products (15%) may pose health risks, while one-in-ten (11%) did not think any of the previously mentioned products posed health risks.

Demographic variables play a role in level of concern about household product threats:

• Younger Canadians (18-34) are least likely to be concerned about the health risks of all listed products, while those 55+ are the most concerned age cohort;
• Quebeckers are least likely to be concerned about the health risks of the listed products (17% say concerned about none vs. 4-11% in other provinces);
• Newcomers to Canada are less likely than the general population to be concerned about the health risks of all listed products;
• Pregnant people are more likely to be concerned about at least one product than the general population (94% vs. 87%);
• Those with a health condition are more likely to be concerned about the health risks of all listed products; and
• Those who own a home built before 1976 are more likely than those who own a home built during 1976 or later to be concerned about health risks of lead paint.

Full details can be found in Exhibit 2.2.1.a and 2.2.1.b below.

QPThreat: Product Threats. Which of the following products, if any, do you think could pose health risks to you and your family?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

QPThreat: Product Threats. Which of the following products, if any, do you think could pose health risks to you and your family?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.2.2. Environment related concerns

Canadians identified most common environmental threats as health risks, including cigarette smoke (77%), carbon monoxide (77%), mould/humidity (72%), asbestos (70%), radon gas (64%), and radiation (64%). Close to half also identify cannabis smoke (51%), putting batteries/lightbulbs/chemical products in the garbage (49%), or flushing/throwing out pharmaceuticals and medications as health risks (46%). Fewer are concerned about wood smoke (39%) or single use plastics (34%), while environmental risks like indoor air (23%), outdoor air (18%), drinking water (16%), or soil (11%) rank lowest among health concerns. While this list is not directly comparable to 2017 results, it does appear that Canadians' concerns about carbon monoxide and cigarette smoke have increased since the last wave of research (41-44% considered a health risk in 2017).

As outlined in Exhibit 2.2.2.a and Exhibit 2.2.2.b below, a number of demographic factors are related to concerns about environmental health risks:

• Younger Canadians (18-34) are least likely to be concerned about almost all environmental health risks;
• Those with health conditions are more concerned than those without about all environmental health risks;
• Newcomers to Canada are less likely to be concerned about the risks of cigarette smoke (67% vs. 76% among gen pop), carbon monoxide (64% vs. 76%), radon gas (53% vs. 63%), asbestos (51% vs. 71%), mould/humidity (49% vs. 72%), or flushing/throwing out pharmaceuticals and medications (30% vs. 47%);
• Parents or guardians of children six and under are more likely than the general population to be concerned about the environmental health risks of cigarette smoke (89% vs. 76%), carbon monoxide (88% vs. 76%), or mould/humidity (82% vs. 72%); and
• Canadians who own a home built prior to 1976 tend to be more concerned about asbestos (83% vs. 66-71%) as are those who have renovated their home (75% vs. 56%).

QEThreat: Environmental Threat. Which of the following, if any, do you think could pose health risks to you and your family?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

QEThreat: Environmental Threat. Which of the following, if any, do you think could pose health risks to you and your family?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.2.3. Chemical related concerns

Canadians are better able to recognize the health risks of chemicals found in products than in previous years. Most identify lead (72%), mercury (71%), and formaldehyde (59%) as health risks. While not directly comparable due to different product lists, fewer (39-55%) identified these chemicals as a health risk in 2017.

Between one-third and one-half of Canadians are concerned about other household chemicals, including:

• Benzene (47%);
• Bisphenol A (43%);
• Boric acid (43%);
• Flame retardants (41%);
• Phthalates (35%);
• Aluminum (32%);
• Talc (31%); and
• Triclosan (31%).

As outlined in Exhibit 2.2.3.a and Exhibit 2.2.3.b, the following demographic factors are related to concerns about health risks of chemical products:

• Younger Canadians (18-34) are least concerned about the health risks of almost all chemicals;
• Quebecers are least concerned about the health risks of most chemicals;
• Women are more concerned than men about the health impacts of most chemicals, including lead (75% vs. 70%), formaldehyde (62% vs. 56%), Bisphenol A (48% vs. 39%), phthalates (39% vs. 31%), aluminum (38% vs. 26%), triclosan (35% vs. 27%), and talc (34% vs. 26%).
• Newcomers to Canada are less concerned about the health risks of chemicals than the general population;
• Those with a health condition are more concerned about the health risks of chemicals than the general population; and
• Those who have completed home renovations are more concerned overall about the health risks of household chemicals (8% say concerned about none of the above vs. 23% among those who have not completed renovations). This is presumably because these homeowners have come into contact with these chemicals during the course of renovations.

QCThreat: Chemical Threat. Which of the following chemicals, if any, do you think could pose risks to you and your family?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

QCThreat: Chemical Threat. Which of the following chemicals, if any, do you think could pose risks to you and your family?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.2.4. Most common environmental health concerns among Canadians

The most pressing environmental health concerns vary widely among Canadians. Carbon monoxide is listed most often as a primary health risk (17%), while mould/humidity is listed second (11%), and cigarette smoke third (9%).

Primary concerns do not vary widely by demographic, with virtually every group selecting carbon monoxide or humidity/mould most often. Full details are outlined in Exhibit 2.2.4.a below.

QmostConR1. Most Concerned: Which of the following are you most concerned with?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

* Denotes less than 1%
- Denotes 0

2.3. Personal Care Products

2.3.1. Ingredient review

More than half of Canadians (58%) are interested in the ingredients found in their personal care products. Among these, 43% say they check the ingredient list, while 30% say they avoid specific ingredients. As outlined in Exhibit 2.3.1.a, age plays a role in checking the safety of personal products. However, unlike general concerns about health risks, younger Canadians (18-34) are more likely to read ingredients lists (51% vs. 36-44% among those 35+) and to avoid specific ingredients (35% vs. 25-31%).

Interestingly, despite lower concerns about health risks than the general population, newcomers to Canada are also more likely to read ingredient lists (60% vs. 40% among gen pop) and avoid specific ingredients (39% vs. 29%). Pregnant people also report being more likely to read ingredient lists than the general population (51% vs. 40%).

QPerProd: Personal Care Products. When purchasing personal care products such as shampoo, deodorants, cosmetics, or hand soaps do you...?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.3.2. Ingredient avoidance

Among those who check or avoid specific ingredients in their personal care products, the most common ingredients of concern are formaldehyde (48%) and aluminum (43%). Other ingredients of concern include:

• Sulfates (40%);
• Parabens (39%);
• Acetone (35%);
• Fragrance (28%);
• Petrolatum (26%);
• Talc (25%);
• Salicylic Acid (19%);
• Dimethicone (19%);
• Triclosan (19%);
• PFAS (18%);
• Glycerin (13%); or
• Essential oils (8%).

Not unexpectedly given other results from this study, those 55+ are more concerned about most ingredients. Thus, while younger Canadians may be more mindful of checking ingredients, they may not know exactly which ingredients may pose serious health risks.

QIngr: Ingredients. Which of the following ingredients, if any, do you try to avoid when purchasing personal care products?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

* Denotes less than 1%
- Denotes 0

2.4. Cleaning Behaviours

2.4.1. Home cleaning behaviours

When cleaning their homes, Canadians generally say they follow most safety precautions. In particular, the majority say they:

• Wash their hands after using a household chemical product (87% always or usually do);
• Use a mattress or pillow cover (85%);
• Remove outdoor shoes inside the house (84%);
• Clean floors and surfaces with a wet cloth (77%);
• Follow the instructions on household chemical labels (74%);
• Keep household chemicals out of reach and sight of young children (70%);
• Ensure proper ventilation (68%); and/or
• Wash bedding on a weekly basis (59%).

Half of Canadians say they usually or always choose low VOC cleaning products (50%), regularly check containers for leaks or damage (48%), or use a vacuum with a HEPA filter (46%).

Of note, one-in-ten say they always (7%) or usually (7%) mix household chemical products together, which suggests a sizeable minority of Canadians are engaging in potentially hazardous practices. Those who say they usually or always mix chemical products tend to be younger Canadians (17-22% among those 18-54 vs. 4% among those 55+). Newcomers to Canada are also significantly more likely to engage in mixing chemical products than the general population (27% vs. 13%). Full details are outlined in Exhibit 2.4.1.a.

QClnHome: Cleaning Home. When cleaning your home, how often do you do the following?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.5. Food Safety

2.5.1. Preparation, cooking and food storage behaviours

Most Canadians appear to take steps to keep harmful chemicals out of their food. The majority say they discard single use-plastic containers (79%), look for a "microwave safe" label on containers before microwaving (74% always or usually do), or store food in food-grade containers (62%). Many also say they use their range hood when cooking (60%) and let the tap run cold before drinking water (57%). However, a sizeable number say they always or usually store foods in single-use plastics (36%), heat foods in single-use plastics (19%), or pour hot liquids into single-use plastics (18%).

As outlined in Exhibits 2.5.1.a, women and older Canadians (55+) are less likely to report behaviours that may risk food safety. Conversely, newcomers to Canada are more likely than the general population to say they always or usually heat food in single-use containers (30% vs. 19%) or pour hot liquids into single-use containers (27% vs. 17%).

QFood: Food Safety. When preparing, cooking and/or storing food, how often do you do the following?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.6. Renovation Behaviours

2.6.1. Recent Renovations among Canadians

Most (81%) Canadians have completed interior renovations in their home, defined as minor projects like painting furniture or walls to more major projects like finishing a basement. Of these, there was an even distribution between renovations completed in the past 12 months (29%), past five years (26%), or more than five years ago (26%).

Not unexpectedly, those undergoing life change are more likely to have completed renovations in the past 12 months. Newcomers to Canada (40%) and pregnant people (41%) are more likely to have recently renovated than the general population (28%). See Exhibit 2.6.1.a for full details.

QLastReno: Last time renovation was completed. When was the last time, if ever, interior renovations were completed in your home, by you or someone else? This could include minor projects such as painting furniture or walls to more major projects such as finishing a basement.

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.6.2. Renovation behaviours

Most Canadians report taking safety measures when it comes to home renovations. As outlined in Exhibit 2.6.2.a, those who have renovated their house in the past five years say they usually or always:

• Keep work areas well ventilated (78%);
• Keep vulnerable people away from worksites (67%);
• Wear protective gear (64%);
• Ventilate when using composite products (64%); and/or
• Use low emission products (55%).

However, only one third say they always or usually consult a professional before removing asbestos (35%) or test for lead-based paint before removing or stripping paint from walls (31%). Unexpectedly, as outlined in Exhibits 2.6.2.a, Canadians who own a home built prior to 1976 are the least likely to say they always or usually consult a professional about testing or removing asbestos (26% vs. 36-41% among those who own a home built after 1976). Similarly, those who own homes built prior to 1976 are less likely to consult a professional about lead paint (24% vs. 35%). These results are of concern given that asbestos was used in home construction prior to 1990 while homes built before 1991 may have used lead paint. Consequently, this suggests a significant number of Canadians are potentially putting their health at risk during renovations.

A number of other demographic variables are related to the adherence to safe renovation practices. In particular:

• Older Canadians (55+) are more likely to say they follow safe renovation practices than those 18-54;
• Those in Quebec are less likely to say they always or usually follow most safety measures; and
• Newcomers to Canada and parents of children six and under are more likely than the general population to follow most safety measures.

Full details can be found in the appendix.

QRENOBEH: Renovation Behaviours. To what extent did you do each of the following during your renovations?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.7. Environmental Health Behaviours

2.7.1. Testing behaviours

When it comes to preventative measures, many Canadians do not appear to be engaging in environmental health testing, such as lead, radon or asbestos. Few Canadians are testing their drinking water, with just over one-in-ten saying they tested their water for potential contaminants (15%) or lead (13%). Even fewer (9%) say they have tested for radon in their homes. This is slightly above the number who reported testing their homes for radon in 2017 (5%).

As outlined in Exhibit 2.7.1.a and 2.7.1.b, a number of demographic variables are related to environmental testing, specifically:

• Those 18-34 are more likely than Canadians 35+ to test their water for contaminants (20% vs. 11-14%) or lead (19% vs. 10-14%);
• Newcomers are more likely to test for lead in their water (23% vs. 13% among gen pop) or house paint (14% vs. 7%);
• Those in Ontario are more likely than those in other provinces to engage in testing of environmental contaminants.

QOTHER: Have you ever done any of the following?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

QRENOBEH: Renovation Behaviours. To what extent did you do each of the following during your renovations?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.7.2. Inspection and monitoring behaviours

In terms of inspection and monitoring behaviours, Canadians generally take more steps than they do for environmental health testing; however, uptake remains low. One-quarter complete annual inspections for their furnace (27%), air conditioner (23%), hot water heater (19%), or gas or wood fireplace (17%).

When it comes to air quality, only 18 per cent say they check the Air Quality Health Index regularly during heatwaves.

As outlined in Exhibit 2.7.2.a, age is a factor in inspection and monitoring behaviours; however, unlike with testing behaviours, older Canadians generally report taking more action. Those 55+ are more likely to have their furnace (35% vs. 22-23%), air conditioner (27% vs. 18-23%), and gas or wood fireplace serviced annually (20% vs. 14-17%).

Other demographic factors related to inspections include:

• Those with lower incomes (<$60k) are less likely than those in middle- or higher-income households ($60k+) to say they conduct annual inspections, suggesting cost is likely a factor; and
• Those living in Ontario are more likely than those in other provinces to undertake most inspection and monitoring steps.

QOTHER: Have you ever done any of the following?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.8. Protective Behaviours

2.8.1. Behaviours that reduce risk

Over half of Canadians say they always or usually engage in healthy home behaviours, including keeping indoor moisture and humidity levels low (74%), disposing of chemical products according to municipal guidelines (69%), turning on exhaust fans or opening windows when showering (65%), cleaning mould with water and dish soap (62%), and taking unused pharmaceuticals to a pharmacy for disposal (54%). See Exhibit 2.8.1.a for full details.

As outlined in Exhibit 2.8.1.a, older Canadians (55+) are more likely than their 18-54 counterparts to bring pharmaceuticals to a pharmacy for disposal (67% vs. 44-48%). Vulnerable groups are on par with the general population for most risk reduction behaviours; however, pregnant people, parents, and newcomers are less likely to say they take unused pharmaceuticals to a pharmacy for disposal (35-43% vs. 56%), which may signal that these groups could benefit from greater knowledge about this topic.

QPBPMessage: Protective Behaviours Priority Messaging

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.8.2. Carbon monoxide alarm in home and location

Despite carbon monoxide being the number one safety concern of Canadians, less than half (47%) have installed a carbon monoxide alarm in their home. This also marks a decrease from 2016, when over half (57%) said they had a carbon monoxide detector in their home.

Demographics are a factor in likelihood to install a carbon monoxide alarm. As outlined in Exhibits 2.8.2.a and 2.8.2.b, groups that are less likely to have installed an alarm include:

• Younger and middle-aged Canadians (18-54; 37-43% vs. 58% among those 55+);
• Newcomers (34% vs. 47% among gen pop); and
• Quebeckers (25% vs. 36-62% in other provinces).

QOTHER: Other Environmental Health Behaviours: Have you ever done any of the following?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

QOTHER: Other Environmental Health Behaviours: Have you ever done any of the following?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

Among the 47 per cent of Canadians that have installed a carbon monoxide alarm in their home, the majority (57%) installed one in a hallway outside sleeping areas or the main floor of the home (50%). Fewer said they installed alarms beside a fuel burning appliance (29%), in a bedroom (16%), or in a basement (4%). Full details are in Exhibit 2.8.2.c below. This is consistent with where Canadians said they placed carbon monoxide detectors in 2016.

QCODet: Where is your carbon monoxide alarm located in your home?

Note: Only responses >1% mentions shown. Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.9. Barriers and Motivators for Maintaining a Healthy Home

2.9.1. Barriers to maintaining a healthy home

Barriers to maintenance of a healthy home may include awareness of health hazards. Despite the low awareness of many health risks outlined in this report, one-third of Canadians say they have no barriers because they currently maintain a healthy home (33%). Many Canadians (30%) also feel they do not have control over issues because they are renters. These were also the most common responses in the 2016 research; however, while results are not directly comparable, the magnitude of those who feel confident in their ability to maintain a healthy home has decreased. This may be a function of Canadians now having greater awareness of various health risks.

Other barriers to maintaining a healthy home include:

• Cost (20%);
• Confusing, complicated or contradictory information (16%);
• Not knowing where to find reliable information (16%); or
• Not having enough time to address the issue (12%).

As outlined in Exhibit 2.9.1.a, a variety of demographic factors are related to awareness of health hazards. In particular:

• Younger and middle-aged Canadians (18-54) report more barriers than those 55+, including cost (25-26% vs. 12%), not knowing where to find reliable information (19-20% vs. 12%), being renters and not having control of the issue of concern (32-27% vs. 22%), or not having enough time (15-22% vs. 3%);
• Canadians who have a disability report more barriers than those without disabilities, including cost (25% vs. 19%), confusing information (19% vs, 13%), and being renters (40% vs. 27%); and
• Pregnant people report greater barriers of cost (30% vs. 20% among the general population) and not having enough time (21% vs. 12%).

QBarriers1: Barriers: Which of the following, if any, prevent you from maintaining a healthier home?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.9.2. Motivation for maintaining a health home

When it comes to encouraging Canadians to maintain a healthier home, the majority cite personal health (61%) or the health of their family and children (51%). Other motivators include:

• Understanding/knowledge of the risks (44%);
• Easy and free ways to address risks (42%);
• Fear of illness due to unaddressed risk (38%);
• Environmental concerns (36%);
• Government funding to address expensive issues (32%); and
• Government incentives to address issues (29%).

When communicating with younger Canadians (18-34), personal health remains their primary motivator (57%), but they are also more likely than those 35+ to be motivated by better understanding of risks (48% vs. 40-44%) and environmental concerns (41% vs. 33-36%). Not unexpectedly, older Canadians (55+) are more motivated by personal health (68% vs. 57% among 18-54) and fear of illness due to unaddressed risk (43% vs. 35-37%).

QMotivators1: Motivators: Which of the following, if any, would encourage you to maintain a healthier home?

Note: Only mentions >1% shown. Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

2.10. Communication with Canadians about Environment Health Risks

2.10.1. Where Canadians look for information

Canadians look to a variety of sources for information on potential health risks in their home. The most common include search engines (39%), manufacturer product labels (29%), the Government of Canada website (25%), friends and family (24%), or the Public Health unit website (23%). Other common sources of information include:

• Provincial government websites (19%);
• Health professional websites (18%);
• Health professionals (18%);
• Municipal government websites (17%);
• News media (16%);
• Manufacturers websites (15%);
• Environmental group websites (14%);
• Social media (14%); or
• Health group websites (12%).

Full details can be found in Exhibit 2.10.1.a below.

This marks a departure from 2016, when manufacturer product labels were the most frequently consulted source of health risk information (38%) and few (5%) consulted the Government of Canada website. This suggests a significant number of Canadians may be aware of the Healthy Home campaign and trust the government to provide health risk information.

All demographic groups look to search engines like Google or Bing as their primary source of information. However, other sources of information vary by demographic. Specifically:

• Younger Canadians (18-34) are more likely to look to social media (20% vs. 8-15% among those 35+) and health professionals (23% vs. 15-18%) than their older counterparts;
• Newcomers to Canada are also more likely to look to social media than the general population (30% vs. 11%); and
• Pregnant people are more likely to look to social media than the general population (24% vs. 11%) and are more likely to rely on friends and family as a source of information (40% vs. 23%). This supports continuing to use social media to target key populations of concern.

QLook: Where Look. When looking for information on health risks (e.g., household chemicals, lead, carbon monoxide poisoning, radon, etc.) that may be present in your home, where do you look?

Note: Only mentions >1% shown. Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

* Denotes less than 1%
- Denotes 0

2.10.2. Preferred format

When looking for information on health risks, more than half of Canadians prefer the format of websites (57%). Other preferred formats include:

• YouTube (27%);
• Speaking directly to a health professional (24%);
• Facebook (14%);
• Pamphlets/brochures/postcards (16%);
• Videos (10%);
• Instagram (7%);
• Mobile apps (7%);
• Blogs (6%);
• Twitter (5%);
• Tradeshows (5%);
• Webinars/presentations (5%); or
• Pinterest (4%).

Full details can be found in Exhibit 2.10.2.a.

In 2016, websites were also the preferred source of information about health risks (65%). Since that time, YouTube, Facebook, and other social media sites are increasing in preference (0-17% vs. 4-27% in 2021).

When it comes to social media, the following demographic groups differed from the rest of the population in the following ways:

• Younger Canadians (18-34) prefer all forms of social media formats;
• Pregnant people are more likely to prefer to look for information on Facebook (22% vs. 14%) or mobile apps (12% vs. 6%); and
• Newcomers are more likely to prefer almost all social media formats but show a preference for YouTube (45% vs. 26% among gen pop) and Facebook (20% vs. 14%).

QFormat: Preferred Format: When looking for information on health risks (e.g., household chemicals, lead, carbon monoxide poisoning, radon, etc.) that may be present in your home, what format do you use most often?

Note: Letters denote statistically significant difference. For example, if there is a B then the result is significantly higher than the corresponding result in column B.

* Denotes less than 1%
- Denotes 0

3. Appendix A: Methodology

Survey Administration

The online survey was conducted using computer assisted web interviewing (CAWI) technology. CAWI ensures the interview flows as it should with pre-programmed skip patterns. It also controls responses to ensure appropriate ranges and data validity. Surveys were conducted in English or French as chosen by the respondent. All participants were informed of the general purpose of the research, the sponsor, the supplier and that all of their responses would be confidential.

The online survey was conducted from January 24 to February 7, 2022. In total 2,187 surveys were completed. The average survey length was 20 minutes.

Pre-test

A pre-test was undertaken on January 21, 2022 obtaining 10 English and 10 French completions, including probing questions. The results were reviewed to ensure the survey was working as expected and that the questions were being interpreted as expected. Based on the results of the pre-test, no changes were required and as such the results of the 20 completes were included in the final data set.

Sample Design and Selection

A sample of Canadians was drawn from the Kantar proprietary panel to achieve 2,187 completed surveys among the target groups. 1,502 were drawn to be reflective of the population from age, gender and regional perspective. The remaining n=685 included an oversample of each of the following groups:

• Parents/guardians of children aged 6 and under (n=153)
• Pregnant people or people planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months (n=190)
• Seniors (65 years or older) (n=152)
• Newcomers to Canada (in Canada 5 years or less) (n=190)

Margin of Error

As mentioned previously, panel sample was used for this survey. Panel surveys are considered a non-probability sample and as such margin of error does not apply and conclusions from these results cannot be generalized to any population. Given that this is an online panel, Canadians without internet access (6% of Canadians) will not be reached. Additionally, this survey will not cover Canadians who are not members of a panel; however, the total number of those who are not members of a panel cannot be calculated, as Kantar's panel partner may supplement or blend panel with external Canadian panel suppliers.

Data Analysis

Analysis was undertaken to establish differences between the total population that was surveyed and a number of demographics within this group. More specifically analysis was undertaken to identify any differences based on age, gender, region, household income, children in the home, respondent type (general population, pregnant, parent, newcomer, senior), health condition, disability, dwelling type, home ownership, age of home and renovation status.

Exact breaks can be found in the detailed tables. Only differences significant at the 95% confidence level are presented in this report. Any differences that are statistically significant (t-test) between these subgroups are indicated by denoting the column letter within the tables throughout the report.

Weighting

Corrective weights were applied according to age, gender, region & household income based on the general Canadian adult population (18+) using Statistics Canada 2016 Census data.

Online Completion Rate

A total of 8,706 invitations were sent to panelists, of which n=2,187 completed the survey. The overall completion rate achieved for the online study was 42.9%. The following table outlines the sample disposition and response rate calculation:

Tabulated Data

Detailed tables are included under a separate cover.

4. Appendix B: Survey Instrument

BLOCK1: Screener
Begin block
QLangSel: Language Selection
Single coded
Not back
In which language would you like to be interviewed?
Dans quelle langue aimeriez-vous être interviewé(e)?
Normal
1 English / Anglais
2 French / Français

Scripter notes: IF RESPONDENT CHOOSES ENGLISH, CONTINUE WITH THE REST OF THE SURVEY IN ENGLISH.
IF RESPONDENT CHOOSES FRENCH, CONTINUE WITH THE REST OF THE SURVEY IN FRENCH.

QIntro: Introduction
Text
Not back

Thank you for agreeing to take part in our survey. Kantar is currently conducting a survey on behalf of Health Canada on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of Canadians about environmental health issues. The information in this survey will be used to contribute to the development of health programs and messaging. Your decision on whether or not to participate will not affect any dealings you may have with the Government of Canada.

Should you wish to verify the legitimacy of this survey you may contact Antonia Perhat at antonia.perhat@kantar.com.

The survey will take about 15-20 minutes to complete.

What about your personal information?

The personal information you provide to Health Canada is governed in accordance with the Privacy Act and is being collected under the authority of section 4 of the Department of Health Act in accordance with the Treasury Board Directive on Privacy Practices. We only collect the information we need to conduct the research project.

Purpose of collection:

We require your personal information such as demographic information to better understand the topic of the research. However, your responses are always combined with the responses of others for analysis and reporting; you will never be identified.

For more information:

This personal information collection is described in the standard personal information bank Public Communications – PSU 914, in Info Source, available online at infosource.gc.ca.

Your rights under the Privacy Act: In addition to protecting your personal information, the Privacy Act gives you the right to request access to and correction of your personal information. For more information about these rights, or about our privacy practices, please contact Health Canada's Privacy Coordinator at privacy-vie.privee@hc-sc.gc.ca. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you think your personal information has been handled improperly.

What happens after the online survey?

The final report written by Kantar will be available to the public from Library and Archives Canada (http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/).

Your assistance is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to receiving your feedback.

QProvTer: Province/Territory
Single coded
Not back
In which province or territory do you live?
Normal

• Newfoundland and Labrador 2
• Nova Scotia 3
• Prince Edward Island 4
• New Brunswick 5
• Quebec 6
• Ontario 7
• Manitoba 8
• Saskatchewan 9
• Alberta 10
• British Columbia 11
• Northwest Territories 12
• Nunavut 13
• Yukon 14
• Prefer not to answer
  GO TO QProvTer

Ask only if QProvTer,14
ErrorMsg: Error Message
Text
Not back
Sorry! We need the province or territory you live in in order to continue. If you select "Prefer not to answer" the survey will close.

Scripter notes: ASK QPROVETER AGAIN. IF SELECTED 'PREFER NOT TO ANSWER' AGAIN, TERMINATE.

QRegion: Hidden region variable
Single coded
Not back | Dummy
Normal

• 1 Atlantic - Answer is set if QProvTer=1,2,3,4
• 2 Quebec - Answer is set if QProvTer=5
• 3 Ontario - Answer is set if QProvTer=6
• 4 West - Answer is set if QProvTer=7,8,9,10
• 5 Territories - Answer is set if QProvTer=11,12,13

QGender: Gender
Single coded
Not back
What is your gender?
Random

• 1 Female
• 2 Male
• 3 Prefer to self identify: *Open *Fixed
• 4 Prefer not to answer *Fixed

QAGE1: Age Year
Single coded
Not back
In what year were you born?
Normal
1 Select year (Drop down menu with YYYY format)
2 Prefer not to answer

Scripter notes: PUNCH 1 DROP DOWN MENU SHOULD INCLUDE YEARS IN FORMAT YYYY. IF WE DON'T HAVE A STANDARD START YEAR, YOU CAN START WITH 1922 UP TO 2022.
MINIMUM YEAR/AGE TO QUALIFY IS 2003 (18 YEARS OLD). IF SELECTED 2004-2022, TERMINATE.
AUTOCODE AGE BREAKS AT QAGE2:
QAGE1 1997-2003 = 18 to 24 AT QAGE2
QAGE1 1987-1996 = 25 to 34 AT QAGE2
QAGE1 1977-1986 = 35 to 44 AT QAGE2
QAGE1 1967-1976 = 45 to 54 AT QAGE2
QAGE1 1957-1966 = 55 to 64 AT QAGE2
QAGE1 1956 or earlier = 65 or older AT QAGE2

Ask only if QAGE1,2
QAGE2: Age Breaks
Single coded
Not back
Would you be willing to indicate in which of the following age categories you belong
Normal

• 1 18 to 24
• 2 25 to 34
• 3 35 to 44
• 4 45 to 54
• 5 55 to 64
• 6 65 or older
• 7 Prefer not to answer
• GO TO SCREEN OUT

S1: Respondent Quota
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
Are you...?
Select all that apply.
Random

• 1 Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months
• 2 A parent or guardian of child(ren) aged six years old or under
• 3 A newcomer to Canada who arrived in 2017 or later
• 4 None of the above *Fixed *Exclusive

Scripter notes: SHOW PUNCH 1 "Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months" ONLY IF SELECTED 'FEMALE' AT QGENDER.
hGroupNum: Group Number
Multi coded
Answer not required | Not back | Dummy
Hidden variable to define sample group numbers

RESEARCHER: UPDATE THE GROUP NUMBERS AND NAMES AS NEEDED. Answer text should follow the format of group#, Group Name (Ex: 1, National Sample)

SCRIPTER: Group Number - default setting is based on the survey URL 'grp' parameter [example: '&amp;grp=321']
Normal

1. 1, Gen Pop (Main)
2. 2, All boosts together
3. 3, Boost 1 - Parents/guardians of children aged 6 and under
4. 4, Boost 2 - Pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months
5. 5, Boost 3 - Seniors (65 or older)
6. 6, Boost 4 - Newcomers to Canada (5 years or less)

Scripter notes: Set the GroupFMR variable as a multi-punch variable "Set GroupFMR = GroupFMR + {X}" according to the definitions within the questionnaire.
Assign boost quotas (group 2) by least full. If quota full, move to next quota. Order of incidence from lowest to highest below. Do not double count if qualified for multiple samples.
Pregnant (n=190)
Newcomer (n=190)
Parent (n=150)
Senior (n=150)

GroupFMR: Sample Groups For Field Metrics Report
Multi coded
Answer not required | Not back | Min = 1 | Dummy
GroupFMR is a catch-all variable designed to have one consistent way to capture ANY groups we sample.

Normal

1. 1, Gen Pop (Main) - Answer is set if NOT QAGE2=7 and QProvTer=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 and QGender=1,2,3,4 and S1=1,2,3,4
2. 2, All boosts together - Answer is set if QGender=1,2,3,4 and NOT QAGE2=7 and S1=1,2,3
3. 3, Boost 1 - Parents/guardians of children aged 6 and under - Answer is set if S1=2
4. 4, Boost 2 - Pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months - Answer is set if QGender=1 and S1=1
5. 5, Boost 3 - Seniors (65 or older) - Answer is set if QAGE2=6
6. 6, Boost 4 - Newcomers to Canada (5 years or less) - Answer is set if S1=3

BLOCK1: Screener
End block

BLOCK2: Main Survey
Begin block
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
Which of the following products, if any, do you think could pose health risks to you and your family?
Select all that apply.
Random

• 1 Personal care products such as cosmetics or hair products
• 2 Home fragrance products such as scented candles, room sprays or air fresheners
• 3 Household chemicals such as kitchen and bathroom cleaners
• 4 Turpentine, paint, paint strippers/thinners
• 5 Lead contained in paint
• 6 Building materials such as adhesives, sealants or insulation products
• 7 Materials used in hobbies or craft projects
• 8 Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides
• 9 Natural health products such as herbal remedies, vitamins and minerals, probiotics
• 10 Composite wood products such as plywood, particle board or medium-density fibreboard
• 998 None of the above *Fixed *Exclusive

QEThreat: Environmental Threat
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
Which of the following, if any, do you think could pose health risks to you and your family?
Select all that apply.
Random

• 1 Flush or throw out pharmaceuticals or medications (prescription or over-the-counter)
• 2 Drinking water
• 3 Outdoor air
• 4 Indoor air
• 5 Soil from your garden or lawn
• 6 Radiation (including electromagnetic radiation)
• 7 Putting batteries, light bulbs or household chemical products in the garbage
• 8 Radon gas
• 9 Asbestos
• 10 Mould/humidity
• 11 Carbon monoxide
• 12 Cigarette smoke
• 13 Cannabis smoke
• 14 Wood smoke
• 15 Single-use plastics
• 998 None of the above *Fixed *Exclusive

QCThreat: Chemical Threat
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
Which of the following chemicals, if any, do you think could pose risks to you and your family?
Select all that apply.
Random

• 1 Boric Acid (borax, boron or borate)
• 2 Flame retardants
• 3 Formaldehyde
• 4 Phthalates
• 5 Talc
• 6 Mercury
• 7 Triclosan
• 8 Aluminum
• 9 Lead
• 10 Benzene
• 11 Bisphenol A (BPA)
• 998 None of the above *Fixed *Exclusive

QMostCon: Most Concerned
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 3 | Max = 3
Which of the following are you most concerned with?
Please select your top three in order of concern.
Random
1 Responses from QPTHREAT, QETHREAT AND CTHREAT

Scripter notes: USE ROWRANK TYPE OF QUESTION.
ANSWER LIST TO BE POPULATED WITH RESPONDENT SELECTIONS AT QPTHREAT, QETHREAT, CTHREAT.
RANDOMIZE ANSWER LIST, REGARDLESS OF WHICH QUESTION IT COMES FROM. RESPONDENT MUST SELECT MIN 3 AND MAX 3 ANSWERS. IF ANSWER LIST IS < 3, RANK TOP 2. IF ANSWER LIST =1, AUTOCODE AS 1.
IF SELECTED 'NONE OF THE ABOVE' FOR ALL 3 QUESTIONS QPTHREAT, QETHREAT, CTHREAT, SKIP TO QLASTRENO.

QLastReno: Last time renovation was completed
Single coded
Not back
When was the last time, if ever, interior renovations were completed in your home, by you or someone else?
This could include minor projects such as painting furniture or walls to more major projects such as finishing a basement.
Normal

• 1 In the past twelve months
• 2 In the past five years
• 3 More than five years ago
• 4 Never

Ask only if QLastReno,1,2
QRENOBEH: Renovation Behaviours Matrix
Not back | Number of rows: 7 | Number of columns: 6
To what extent did you do each of the following during your renovations?
Rows: Random | Columns: Normal
Rendered as Dynamic Grid

QClnHome: Cleaning Home Matrix
Not back | Number of rows: 14 | Number of columns: 6
When cleaning your home, how often do you do the following?
Rows: Random | Columns: Normal
Rendered as Dynamic Grid

QFood: Food Safety Matrix
Not back | Number of rows: 8 | Number of columns: 6
When preparing, cooking and/or storing food, how often do you do the following?
Rows: Random | Columns: Normal
Rendered as Dynamic Grid

QPerProd: Personal Care Products
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
When purchasing personal care products such as shampoo, deodorants, cosmetics, or hand soaps do you...?
Select all that apply.
Random

• 1 Read the ingredients list
• 2 Avoid products with specific ingredients
• 998 None of the above *Fixed *Exclusive

Ask only if QPerProd,1,2
QIngr: Ingredients
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
Which of the following ingredients, if any, do you try to avoid when purchasing personal care products?
Select all that apply.
Random

• 1 Parabens
• 2 Talc
• 3 Essential oils
• 4 Salicylic Acid
• 5 Triclosan
• 6 Aluminum
• 7 Petrolatum
• 8 PFAS
• 9 Fragrance
• 10 Acetone
• 11 Formaldehyde
• 12 Sulfates
• 13 Dimethicone
• 14 Glycerin
• 996 Other (specify): *Open *Fixed
• 998 None of the above *Fixed *Exclusive

QOTHER: Other Environmental Health Behaviours
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
Have you ever done any of the following?
Select all that apply.
Random

• 1 Tested for radon in your home
• 2 Tested for lead in your drinking water
• 3 Tested your water for other potential contaminants
• 4 Installed a carbon monoxide alarm in your home
• 5 Have your furnace inspected annually
• 6 Have your water heater inspected annually
• 7 Have your air conditioning inspected annually
• 8 Have your gas or wood fireplace services or inspected annually
• 9 Tested the paint in your house for lead
• 10 Regularly check the Air Quality Health Index during heat waves
• 998 None of the above *Fixed *Exclusive

Ask only if QOTHER,4
QCODet: Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
Where is your carbon monoxide alarm located in your home?
Select all that apply.
Random

• 1 Beside a fuel burning appliance such as a furnace or water heater
• 2 In a hallway outside sleeping areas
• 3 On the main floor of the home
• 4 In a bedroom
• 996 Other (specify): *Open *Fixed
• 999 Don't know *Fixed *Exclusive

QPBPMessage: Protective Behaviours Priority Messaging Matrix
Not back | Number of rows: 5 | Number of columns: 5
How often do you undertake the following activities?
Rows: Random | Columns: Normal
Rendered as Dynamic Grid

BLOCK2a: Barriers and Motivators
Begin block
Scripter notes: RANDOMIZE ORDER ASKED FOR QBARRIERS AND QMOTIVATORS
QBarriers1: Barriers
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
Which of the following, if any, prevent you from maintaining a healthier home?
Select all that apply.
Random

• 1 It costs too much to address the issue
• 2 The information available is confusing, complicated or contradictory
• 3 I don't know where to find reliable information
• 4 I rent my house /apartment, so I don't have control of the issue of concern
• 5 Not enough time to address the issue
• 6 I am currently able to maintain a healthy home *Fixed *Exclusive
• 996 Other (specify): *Open *Fixed
• 998 None of the above *Fixed *Exclusive

QMotivators1: Motivators
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
Which of the following, if any, would encourage you to maintain a healthier home?
Select all that apply.
Random

• 1 Understanding/knowledge of the risks
• 2 Easy and free ways to address risks
• 3 Personal health
• 4 Health of my family/children
• 5 Environmental concerns
• 6 Fear of illness due to unaddressed risk
• 7 Government funding to address expensive issues
• 8 Government incentives to address issues
• 996 Other (specify): *Open *Fixed
• 998 None of the above *Fixed *Exclusive

BLOCK2a: Barriers and Motivators
End block
QLook: Where Look
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
When looking for information on health risks (e.g., household chemicals, lead, carbon monoxide poisoning, radon, etc.) that may be present in your home, where do you look?
Select all that apply.
Random

• 1 Internet:
• 2 Search Engine such as Google or Bing
• 3 Government of Canada website
• 4 Provincial government website
• 5 Municipal government website
• 6 Public health unit website
• 7 Environmental group website
• 8 Health group website
• 9 Consumer group website
• 10 Manufacturer's website
• 11 Health professional website
• 12 Blog
• 13 Social Media
• 14 Other internet source
• 15 Home shows or consumer shows
• 16 Health professionals
• 17 Building contractors
• 18 Realtors
• 19 Home inspectors
• 20 Manufacturer's product label
• 21 1-800-O-Canada phone line
• 22 Magazines, newspapers or books
• 23 News media
• 24 Retailers
• 25 Friends/family
• 996 Other (specify): *Open *Fixed

Scripter notes: PUNCHES 2-14 SHOULD ALL BE OPTIONS UNDER THE INTERNET HEADER (NOTED AS PUNCH 1) IN THE TABLES ONLY.
RANDOMIZE PUNCHES 2-13, KEEP PUNCH 14 FIXED.

QFormat: Preferred Format
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
When looking for information on health risks (e.g., household chemicals, lead, carbon monoxide poisoning, radon, etc.) that may be present in your home, what format do you use most often?
Select all that apply.
Random

• 1 Websites
• 2 Pamphlets/brochures/postcards
• 3 Videos
• 4 Podcasts
• 5 Mobile apps
• 6 Facebook
• 7 Twitter
• 8 Pinterest
• 9 YouTube
• 10 Instagram
• 11 TikTok
• 12 Blogs
• 13 Trade shows, community events
• 14 Webinars/Presentations
• 15 Speak to a health professional
• 996 Other (specify): *Open *Fixed

BLOCK2: Main Survey
End block
BLOCK3: Demographics
Begin block
QDwelType: Type of Dwelling
Single coded
Not back
Which of the following best describes your home?
Normal

• 1 A single-family house detached from any other house
• 2 A single-family house attached to one or more houses (e.g. a townhouse or duplex)
• 3 An apartment building or condominium
• 4 A mobile home or trailer
• 996 Other (specify): *Open *Fixed
• 999 Don't know *Fixed *Exclusive

QOwn: Own or Rent Home
Single coded
Not back
Do you...?
Normal

• 1 Own your home or condominium
• 2 Rent your home or apartment
• 3 None of the above

QHomeYear: Year Home Built
Single coded
Not back
When was your home built?
Normal

• 1 Prior to 1976
• 2 1976-1989
• 3 1990 or later
• 999 Don't know *Fixed *Exclusive

QHHInc: Household Income
Single coded
Not back
Which of the following best describes your total household income last year, before taxes, from all sources for all household members?
Normal

• 1 Under $20,000
• 2 $20,000 to just under $40,000
• 3 $40,000 to just under $60,000
• 4 $60,000 to just under $80,000
• 5 $80,000 to just under $100,000
• 6 $100,000 to just under $150,000
• 7 $150,000 and above
• 8 Prefer not to answer

QChild: Children in the home
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
Do you have children in the following age groups living in your household?
Select all that apply.
Normal

• 1 6 years and under
• 2 7-12 years old
• 3 13-17 years old
• 4 No children under 18 live in my household *Fixed *Exclusive

QDis: Disability
Single coded
Not back
Do you identify as a person with a disability? A person with a disability is a person who has a long-term or recurring impairment (such as vision, hearing, mobility, flexibility, dexterity, pain, learning, developmental, memory or mental health-related) which limits their daily activities inside or outside the home (such as at school, work, or in the community in general).
Normal

• 1 Yes
• 2 No
• 999 Don't know *Fixed *Exclusive
• 3 Prefer not to answer *Fixed

QHI: HEALTH IMPACT
Single coded
Not back
People with pre-existing health conditions may be at greater risk of exposure to chemicals and pollutants in the home. Do you or anyone in your household have a pre-existing health condition? For example, asthma, allergies, immunocompromised?
Normal

• 1 Yes
• 2 No
• 999 Don't know *Fixed *Exclusive
• 3 Prefer not to answer

QHomeLang: Language Spoken at Home
Multi coded
Not back | Min = 1
What language do you speak most often at home?
Normal

• 1 English
• 2 French
• 996 Other (specify): *Open *Fixed
• 3 Prefer not to answer *Fixed *Exclusive

PretestOE: Pre-test Open End
Open
Not back
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. We are currently testing the questionnaire for clarity and ease of understanding. Were there any aspects of the survey or questions that you found unclear or difficult to understand? Do you have any suggestions to improve this survey?
Scripter notes: CAP AT N=10 EN AND N=10 FR CA AT QUOTA QTEST. ONCE QTEST IS FULL, SKIP THIS QUESTION.

LearnMore: Learn More about healthy home
Text
Not back
Should you wish to learn more about environmental health in relation to your home, please visit the following website:
Canada.ca/healthy-home (English survey)
Canada.ca/maison-saine (French survey)
Scripter notes: HYPERLINK WEBSITES.

BLOCK3: Demographics
End block