Latest news with #Granton
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Montréal and Toronto have some of the worst air quality in the world due to wildfire smoke: How to protect yourself, according to an expert
Toronto and Montreal's air quality is on par with some of the worst in the world due to drifting wildfire smoke. While fires continue to burn in Western Canada, wind has carried smoke from the fires to Ontario, Quebec and areas in the U.S. like Nebraska, Michigan and Wisconsin. The impact of wildfire smoke is so severe, Environment Canada issued air quality statements for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Montréal Island Area. As of 12:25 p.m. EST., IQAir, a Swiss technology company, ranked Montreal as the city with the worst air quality in the world. Toronto came in third place, behind Santiago. Environment Canada is encouraging people, especially the elderly, pregnant people, children and people with chronic health conditions, to avoid spending time outdoors whenever possible. As of June 6, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported 212 active fires in Canada, with 91 considered out of control. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan due to poor visibility and air quality due to smoke. Manitoba's state of emergency required residents of several communities to evacuate due to air quality and lack of power. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Wildfire smoke isn't just contained to affected areas. Environment Canada has issued a weather alert for parts of Ontario due to poor air quality that may cause people to experience symptoms like cough, headaches as well as nose and throat irritation. The Weather Channel in the U.S. reported wildfire smoke from Canada is visible as far as the Gulf Coast. Winds have caused smoke to impact air quality in states like Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan as well as North and South Dakota. As the wildfire season kicks off, ways to protect ourselves from smoke are top-of-mind for many. Yahoo Canada previously spoke to a top respirologist in Toronto, who weighed in on the impact of smoke on our lungs, and what to do to stay safe. Read on for everything you need to know. Dr. John Granton, a respirologist at the Toronto General Hospital (University Health Network), told Yahoo Canada wildfires cause air pollution that can have a far-reaching effect on human health. Small air pollutant particles in the smoke, called the PM2.5 particles, are "where a lot of the toxic stuff lives," Granton explained. "That's not filtered by your upper airway, that gets access to your lower airway and into your bloodstream even — and that's where the danger lies. "That can cause asthma attacks, can cause heart attacks, can contribute to hospitalizations and has long-term health outcomes." Even just the smell could cause problems to some, he said. "Being in smog all day long, the smell bothers people; it can cause irritation of the upper airway, some of the larger particles can cause irritation, and cause symptoms. People [who] have chest symptoms or asthma, it can make them feel worse." Granton said smoke isn't easy to escape, but there are some things people can do try and stay safe. According to Granton, "there's not a lot of data to support the health benefits of masking" when it comes to safety from wildfire smoke. But, he said there is research looking into the effectiveness of filters. "Cloth masks or scarves and things are not effective at all," the doctor claimed. But, surgical masks and N95 filter masks "tend to filter those smaller particles," he added, "apparently some of those masks are effective." Granton said "they're not going to filter the gases," though, and there are studies that question whether masks that aren't properly fitted would actually help in the real world. "Whether or not that has a direct health benefit is speculative right now," Granton explained. However, he said it "may be reasonable" for those who have underlying health conditions and those who have to be in the hotspots of the pollution to wear one. "If you have to be outdoors and doing things, then wearing that sort of mask to protect you would be sensible." Though filtration masks could aid in protecting your lungs from smoke, the number one recommendation from experts is to stay indoors. According to Health Canada, the following measures should also be taken: Reduce sources of indoor air pollution (smoking, vacuuming, burning candles, wood stoves) Prevent infiltration of outside air (seal windows, instal a high-quality air filter, set HVAC system to recirculation mode, limit use of exhaust fans when not cooking) Have a functioning CO alarm Use a portable air purifier and air conditioning Granton echoed this advice. "Most people recommend staying indoors as much as possible and not exercising or doing things outside," he reiterated. Room Size: 47 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 30 Dust CADR: 41 PM2.5 CADR: 35 Pollen CADR: 52 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz Room Size: 140 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 90 Dust CADR: 101 PM2.5 CADR: 95 Pollen CADR: 119 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz Room Size: 170 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 110 Dust CADR: 120 Pollen CADR: 130 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz Room Size: 206 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 133 Dust CADR: 141 Pollen CADR: 145 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz Room Size: 200 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 132 Dust CADR: 130 Pollen CADR: 152 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz Room Size: 358 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 231 Dust CADR: 240 PM2.5 CADR: 236 Pollen CADR: 259 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz
The Independent
7 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Scots have best access to culture in UK but class divide exists, survey suggests
Scotland has the best access to culture of any part of the UK, according to a survey, but statistics indicate a class divide still exists. Research by National Galleries of Scotland shows 49% of people in the UK feel they have easy access to cultural space, such as museums and art galleries, compared with 64% of people in Scotland – even more than in London, at 54%. The lowest figures were found in Wales (38%), the East Midlands (38%) and Northern Ireland (46%). The polling found 59% of those in the higher socioeconomic group said they feel they have access to culture versus 37% of those in the lower socioeconomic group. In Edinburgh, 87% of those in the higher socioeconomic group said they feel they have easy access to art, while 68% said the same in the lower socioeconomic group. The findings come as the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) calls for a commitment from the UK and Scottish governments to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art storage solution, The Art Works, in Granton, north Edinburgh. It is hoped the facility will enable loans and touring programmes across Scotland, the UK and internationally, which curators believe could help reduce the socioeconomic divide. Figures show a benefit/cost ratio of 1.31, so for every £3 spent, £4 is returned in wider benefits to Scotland. Anne Lyden, director-general at NGS, said: 'The socioeconomic divide in access to culture in the UK is deeply concerning. Not only is The Art Works vital to the regeneration of Granton in north Edinburgh, it will also act as an enabler that will allow us to share Scotland's incredible art collection more widely across the UK. 'Our research clearly illustrates that more needs to be done urgently to ensure every adult and child is able to experience culture. 'We know that the benefits of art go well beyond the financial, with visits to galleries and museums increasingly being prescribed by doctors around the world to treat anxiety and depression. 'While our research shows that people in Scotland have greater access to culture than the rest of the UK, the reality is that this is not the case across the whole of Scotland. 'National Galleries of Scotland cares for Scotland's art collection for the whole of the nation, however, we are failing in our duty to make artwork for everyone and share the collection across the nation. 'The Art Works is the solution and will unlock the full potential of the collection, allowing us to share it, giving greater access to everyone across Scotland and the UK, and keeping it safe for future generations. Doing nothing is not an option.' Benny Higgins, chairman of NGS, added: 'The Art Works will provide so many benefits, including improving the accessibility of Scotland's national art collection, enabling it to be seen by more people than ever before. 'This incredible building will help us to share the collection across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, in areas who would otherwise never have the chance to see world-class art. 'Without The Art Works we're not only risking catastrophic failure by storing the collection in buildings that aren't fit for purpose, we're preventing people from having easy access to culture. 'Scotland's collection is at risk, in cramped and outdated storage. The Art Works is a solution that offers the best value for money. We need to invest to save, and we need to do it now.' The survey was carried out last month by Yonder Data Solutions on behalf of NGS, with 2,405 members of the UK public, weighted to be nationally representative on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity and region. This included a boosted subsample of 300 respondents from Edinburgh. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The Scottish Government has provided £9 million towards The Art Works, this includes design and preparing the land for construction, and the 2025-26 Budget includes a further £3.1 million to progress the project and to cover temporary storage costs. 'Discussions are ongoing between the Scottish Government, NGS and the wider collections sector to ensure the project delivers the best value for money from any further Scottish Government investment. 'Ministers await the outcome of the UK Government's 10-year national infrastructure strategy and multi-year Spending Review in June to get a clearer picture of the longer-term capital position available to the Scottish Government.' A UK Government spokesperson said: 'We are determined to ensure that arts and culture are no longer the preserve of a privileged few and are carefully considering how we increase access for all'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Manitoba city records Canada's worst air quality of 2025: How wildfire smoke can impact health — and how to protect yourself, according to an expert
Wildfires in Western Canada have caused poor and at times dangerous air quality in certain parts of the country. Environment Canada has issued air quality warnings for parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and is encouraging people, especially the elderly, pregnant people, children and people with chronic health conditions, to avoid spending time outdoors whenever possible. According to the Weather Network, Flin Flon, Man., a town located approximately 600 km north of Winnipeg, has registered the worst air quality rating in Canada this year. Canada uses the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to measure air quality on a scale from 1-10+. Environment Canada notes the city's air quality remains 10+, while the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) reported Flin Flon's air quality at a 312 out of a scale of 1-500, the highest AQI reading for Canada in 2025 (it has since lowered to below 300). As of June 1, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported 181 active fires in Canada, with 91 considered out of control. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan due to poor visibility and air quality due to smoke. Manitoba's state of emergency required residents of several communities to evacuate due to air quality and lack of power. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Wildfire smoke isn't just contained to affected areas. Environment Canada has issued a weather alert for parts of Ontario due to poor air quality that may cause people to experience symptoms like cough, headaches as well as nose and throat irritation. The Weather Channel in the U.S. reported wildfire smoke from Canada is visible as far as the Gulf Coast. Winds have caused smoke to impact air quality in states like Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan as well as North and South Dakota. As the wildfire season kicks off, ways to protect ourselves from smoke are top-of-mind for many. Yahoo Canada previously spoke to a top respirologist in Toronto, who weighed in on the impact of smoke on our lungs, and what to do to stay safe. Read on for everything you need to know. Dr. John Granton, a respirologist at the Toronto General Hospital (University Health Network), told Yahoo Canada wildfires cause air pollution that can have a far-reaching effect on human health. Small air pollutant particles in the smoke, called the PM2.5 particles, are "where a lot of the toxic stuff lives," Granton explained. "That's not filtered by your upper airway, that gets access to your lower airway and into your bloodstream even — and that's where the danger lies. "That can cause asthma attacks, can cause heart attacks, can contribute to hospitalizations and has long-term health outcomes." Even just the smell could cause problems to some, he said. "Being in smog all day long, the smell bothers people; it can cause irritation of the upper airway, some of the larger particles can cause irritation, and cause symptoms. People [who] have chest symptoms or asthma, it can make them feel worse." Granton said smoke isn't easy to escape, but there are some things people can do try and stay safe. According to Granton, "there's not a lot of data to support the health benefits of masking" when it comes to safety from wildfire smoke. But, he said there is research looking into the effectiveness of filters. "Cloth masks or scarves and things are not effective at all," the doctor claimed. But, surgical masks and N95 filter masks "tend to filter those smaller particles," he added, "apparently some of those masks are effective." Granton said "they're not going to filter the gases," though, and there are studies that question whether masks that aren't properly fitted would actually help in the real world. "Whether or not that has a direct health benefit is speculative right now," Granton explained. However, he said it "may be reasonable" for those who have underlying health conditions and those who have to be in the hotspots of the pollution to wear one. "If you have to be outdoors and doing things, then wearing that sort of mask to protect you would be sensible." Though filtration masks could aid in protecting your lungs from smoke, the number one recommendation from experts is to stay indoors. According to Health Canada, the following measures should also be taken: Reduce sources of indoor air pollution (smoking, vacuuming, burning candles, wood stoves) Prevent infiltration of outside air (seal windows, instal a high-quality air filter, set HVAC system to recirculation mode, limit use of exhaust fans when not cooking) Have a functioning CO alarm Use a portable air purifier and air conditioning Granton echoed this advice. "Most people recommend staying indoors as much as possible and not exercising or doing things outside," he reiterated.
Edinburgh Live
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh gangster series uncovered life in one of city's roughest schemes
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info It is not every day that you have a gangster thriller series that explores Scotland's drug underworld set, filmed and produced in the capital. But Edinburgh filmmaker Garry Fraser, 44, who grew up in the scheme in Muirhouse, created a project that celebrates working class culture. The cast of Supply and Demand is mostly made up of non-actors who have experienced trauma in their life, whether as ex-veterans or martial artists from economically challenged backgrounds. The series is based on a family that is torn apart by addiction and involvement in the international drug trade. It focuses on the war on drugs, the role of the establishment in propagating the issue, as well as the real life stories of those caught up in the illegal narcotics trade. Garry, who is a former heroin addict and double BAFTA winner, is proud of the series for a number of reasons, from its authentic portrayal of personal trauma to the fact it was self funded without help from establishment media. Not only this but he says that the project used schemes like Pilton, Granton and Leith as its set. Of course this did not come without issue, after one scene involving a machete spooked North Edinburgh police into racing into a shop, only for them to be calmed by Garry after he explained they were in fact on part of Supply and Demand set. On the basis of the series, he said: "The war on drugs is something that can evoke many different images and emotions about the characters who might be involved in this complicated, contentious issue, but very rarely is the desire for change explored, or the abuse of power and the information network linked to deprived Scottish communities examined in-depth." "In Supply and Demand, however, this powerful desire for change is the common thread which binds our characters together. Told from the perspective of a broken, grieving family, this often-unexamined front line gives our intertwining plots a coherent dramatic structure, accompanied by original, intoxicating, local music that underscores the gritty tone." (Image: No credit) (Image: Supply and Demand.) (Image: No credit) (Image: No credit) "Drawing on the personal experiences of the cast of mainly non-professional actors, through an intense rehearsal period we have been able to tap into powerful emotions to tease out raw and authentic performances from my actors, often drawing upon their own lived experiences." "This authenticity shines through on screen as together, we tackle themes of what masculinity means in the modern world, alcoholism, drug addiction, family breakdowns, PTSD, and the constant strain of living under regular abuses of power from the people who are ostensibly there to protect us the police." Garry elaborates that Edinburgh is no different from any other major European city with regards to having a criminal underbelly. He cites shows such as Snowfall and The Wire that are set in the US, and portray the role of law enforcement in the drug trade whilst telling the real life stories from the perspective of those living on the projects, as motivation. That is what he has tried to deliver with Supply and Demand. A journey through the eyes of those who have lived through war in their communities through the drug trade. He says that there is a lack of storytelling from the perspective of working class people in Edinburgh. Too often he says, stories depict drug addict mums or down and out drug dealer villains hell bent on destroying their community, when in reality the stories in schemes are often more complex and diverse. It was important for Garry to use non-actors who had experience of trauma as he wanted to get a cathartic realistic performance from cast members. The project started two years ago in lockdown and has been a painstaking journey of drama workshops and meetings to bring the idea to life. The premise of the series follows a character Frank who has just returned from a tour with the British Army in Iraq, only to discover his cousin Charlie is heavily involved with high level drug dealing. Frank is recruited by MI5 to infiltrate and unravel his cousin's enterprise. "I don't think there has been a film made like this before in Edinburgh. As a screenwriter I have had to research our criminal underworld past and I was amazed to discover that we have had foreign mafia involvement in schemes like Pilton in the past", Garry said. "It was important to create an artwork that is from the perspective of ground zero and not the establishment. In countries like France, Italy and Poland there is a celebration of social realism but in Scotland it feels as though the arts have been hijacked by the middle class which means real working class stories are not told properly in this way." "We stay in a country where an addict dies every seven hours but where is the media telling the story from their perspective? There is a crazy inequality when it comes to life in Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole." "We have had refugees from Afghanistan and Ethiopia, veterans of the Iraq war and everyday folk from the scheme involved in the film making process for Supply and Demand. The project has been about breaking down barriers and opening doors." "I think if there are thirteen young bairns shouting 'action' and 'cut' alongside me on set, whilst seeing how passionate I am, then they may end up thinking they can build a career in film too." Garry says that wherever they went, whether Muirhouse, Pilton, Granton or Leith, they were met with love and support from the local community. Whether it was being offered food, tea or electricity or by local youths refraining from nicking equipment, Supply and Demand was a hit with whatever area they filmed in. The Muirhouse father-of-five added that local businesses were always up for offering their shops as sets. But on one occasion this sparked a response from local police. "We took over communities like Pilton, Muirhouse and Leith and had no trouble. We involved everyone and people were so generous towards us." "A big thing was turning the schemes into a filming location. A shopkeeper offered us his shop to film a scene where someone was brandishing a machete in a robbery." "It caused a stir and for a minute we thought we were getting charged with brandishing a weapon in public. But a senior officer listened to the shopkeeper who backed our claim that it was a live film set - art had taken over life in the community." "When people are struggling in poverty there is a lot of negativity and self defeat. This is not helped by the portrayal of working class culture in our media." "A large part of making Supply and Demand was to bring confidence to those living in schemes and to dispel a lot of the self defeating lack of empowerment. We wanted to show the empathy and complex nature of life on a housing estate." Garry, who is father to Gary J 20, Billy 16, Destiny 13, Faith nine, Lee four weeks and boyfriend to Xanthia, says he has not received any national funding for the series and as a result he is trying to fundraise to continue the project.
BBC News
04-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Public park brings new life to iconic gasholder site
Granton's three gasholders dominated Edinburgh's northern skyline for almost 25 years since they were taken out of use, a public park is being officially opened on the grounds inside the remaining, restored is part of the proposed £1.3bn regeneration of the wider area and the park includes a new sculpture of a breaching humpback whale, a regular visitor to the nearby Firth of Forth. It is hoped the park will offer visitors and members of the local community an opportunity to learn something about the area's industrial history. The sculpture by Edinburgh-based artist Svetlana Kondakora Muir stands in the middle of the 252ft (76m) diameter frame - all that remains of the first gasholder on the in 1901, the 165ft (50m) tall structure underwent a £20m restoration which included removing the tanks and operating gear and a full refurbishment and preservation of its 100,000 rivets and 26 columns. The site now includes three play areas with a range of play equipment and an inner ring walk going round the outer edges of the frame. An outdoor exhibition has been created, explaining the history of Granton gasworks as well as the restoration process. Granton's gas works were built in the 1890s, amid increasing demand and the need to modernise production and supply of gas in 106 acre site, which offered good potential for rail access, was purchased from the Duke of Buccleuch for £124,000, the equivalent of about £13m 1 Holder opened in 1901 and was joined by two other holders completed in 1930 and site was later converted to handle natural gas and operated as a storage facility until 2001, the first holder's 100th anniversary. The restoration of Holder Number 1 was undertaken by contractors McLaughlin and Harvey and was funded by the UK and Scottish of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher said Friday's opening was a "huge milestone" for the regeneration project, which includes new homes and public spaces."The new park is a fantastic addition for local communities and the hundreds of new tenants including families who have recently moved into the homes we have built for social and mid-market rent in the area," she said."The historic gasholder gives the new park a unique look and feel and it will also be seen for miles around as the restored frame is lit up after dark."
