Ontario plans to double medical isotope production by 2030
TORONTO — Ontario plans to double the number of medical isotopes it produces within four years.
Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce says the province is creating an expert panel that will accomplish that feat.
Medical isotopes are made at all three nuclear generators in Ontario and at McMaster University.
The province says they produce about 50 per cent of the world's isotopes used to treat head, neck and cervical cancers and to sterilize medical equipment.
Medical isotopes are also used to diagnose other types of cancers and in medical imaging techniques.
The move is part of the province's pivot to attract life sciences companies and manufacturers, following a $146-million investment in the sector last fall.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2025.
Liam Casey, The Canadian Press
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
4 minutes ago
- CTV News
Prairie forest fires' smoke is drifting across Central Ontario
Areas in and around Central Ontario under air quality statements, Environment Canada said Thursday. Smoke from forest fires over the Prairies has settled over most of Central Ontario. Environment Canada says air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour. Hot spots for forest fire smoke in our area include: Barrie - Collingwood – Hillsdale Newmarket - Georgina - Northern York Region Innisfil - New Tecumseth - Angus Bracebridge - Gravenhurst Town of Parry Sound - Rosseau - Killbear Park Orillia - Lagoon City – Washago Saugeen Shores - Kincardine - Southern Bruce County Air quality is expected to improve as the smoke drifts from north to south. But as smoke levels increase, so do health risks. The national weather agency advises people to limit their time spent outdoors and consider skipping outdoor sports and activities today. Mild and common symptoms of smoke from fires include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. Less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. Medical attention may be required. Environment Canada says, 'People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.' It even advised people to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Prairie wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality in Hamilton, southern Ontario: Environment Canada
Social Sharing Smoke from wildfires in the Prairies is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in the Hamilton-Niagara area and much of southern Ontario, Environment Canada says. The federal agency says people should limit time outdoors and consider rescheduling outdoor activities. Its special weather statement covers the southwestern part of the province from Sault Ste. Marie and Parry Sound, south to the Great Lakes and as far east as Kingston. Most of northwestern Ontario is also affected. Smoke levels can change hourly and "as smoke levels increase, health risks increase," Environment Canada said, adding air quality is expected to improve from north to south today. In Hamilton, the air-quality health index is forecast to reach seven Thursday, which is considered "high risk," before dropping down to a "moderate" four overnight. Smoke can cause eye, ear, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, Environment Canada says. It can also cause chest pains and wheezing. The agency says seniors, pregnant people, kids and babies, people with health conditions and those who work outdoors should reduce activity outdoors and seek medical help if experiencing symptoms. It adds that when indoors, people should keep their windows closed as much as possible, but that during extreme heat, it's best to prioritize keeping cool. Hamilton was just under a heat warning, which the medical officer of health ended Thursday morning. Wearing a respirator and using an indoor air cleaner are ways Environment Canada says one can reduce exposure to pollution.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Toronto air quality second worst in the world due to wildfire smoke
People take in a city view of Toronto on Monday July 14, 2025. The Air Quality Health Index rating for Toronto was over 10, or "very high risk,"from wildfire smoke on Monday morning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Toronto's air quality is currently the second worst in the world as an Environment Canada alert for the city remains in effect due to wildfire smoke. According to Swiss air quality tracker IQAir, the only place globally with worse air than Toronto is Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. On Wednesday, as a heat warning that had been in effect for the city since Saturday finally lifted, Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for Toronto as wildfires burned in the Prairies. 'As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,' the federal weather agency wrote in the alert. Environment Canada's air quality index is currently listed at a level 5, which it says represents a moderate risk. The air quality could climb as high as a level 7—which is high risk—before clearing from north to south later this evening. 'You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance,' the agency said. READ MORE: Wildfire smoke could create health risks for Toronto residents this summer. Here is why doctors say you should be careful This is the second time this month that Toronto's air quality has been listed among the worst in the world. On July 14, the city had the second-worst air behind Baghdad, Iraq as wildfires burned in northern Ontario and the Prairies. Outside of the smoky skies, Thursday's forecast is calling for a high of 23 C in Toronto, which will feel like 25 with humidity, and a 60 per cent chance of showers this morning. This weekend should see sunny skies in the city starting Friday with the temperature climbing to a high of 29 C on Sunday.
