Latest news with #wildfiresmoke
CBC
4 days ago
- Health
- CBC
This lab asks research volunteers to breathe in toxic fumes — and they do it willingly
Ask Dr. Chris Carlsten about the clear booth in his University of British Columbia (UBC) laboratory, and he'll reassure you that it's perfectly safe — even if volunteers spend multiple sessions in the chamber breathing in polluted air. "The duration varies, but the standard is two hours in that booth with Wi-Fi, with ability to basically use their computer, books, study, whatever," said Carlsten, head of the Air Pollution Exposure Lab (APEL) at UBC and Canada Research Chair in occupational and environmental lung disease. As wildfire smoke has a worsening effect on air quality in Canada, the lab is one of the only facilities of its kind in Canada gathering pinpoint data to provide insight into the ways poor air quality is harmful to human health and wellness. Despite the prospect of standing in a polluted chamber, Carlsten and his research team say volunteers have been eager to give their time. "They are simply drawn to contribute to science and our attempt to solve a major public health problem," said Carlsten, via email. Air pollution chamber at the heart of lab Established by Carlsten in 2007, APEL runs their tests using devices that produce pollution and pump that dirty air into a polycarbonate testing chamber. "We have a diesel engine, we have a furnace for burning wood for wood smoke, we have a device that creates microplastics because microplastic is an emerging concern," he said. Researchers can even fill the chamber with allergens, like dust mites. The key to maintaining volunteer safety is that researchers dilute pollutants to levels roughly matching those found in major urban centres. "[Pollution] will be created by the engine or the furnace and then diluted by filtered air down to a safe level," said Carlsten. The lab's data is published in a range of journals, and highlights how air pollution affects everything from lung performance during physical activity to the health of people with asthma and even on cognition. Carlsten says his team's findings have also influenced policy, including at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Why would anyone want to breathe in polluted air? The program's volunteers range in age from people in their 20s to their 70s, with near gender parity. Carlsten says volunteer demographics are quite broad, adding he believes results are applicable to more general populations. The lab's air quality studies follow strict double-blind research standards. Volunteers, like Alana Green, say they often can't tell whether they're breathing in polluted air or clean air. Green, an administrator at UBC, signed up for an air quality study when she first started working at the university. "I felt like it was a way that I could contribute to science and to society by participating in this," she said. WATCH | Doctor shares advice on staying safe amid air quality warnings: Doctor shares advice on staying safe amid air quality warnings 4 days ago With parts of Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec under air quality alerts due to wildfire smoke, Dr. Christopher Carlsten with the Air Pollution Exposure Lab says exposure can cause symptoms even among healthy individuals like brain fog and headaches and shares practical advice on protecting yourself. Taking part between January and December 2023, Green, who travels internationally, said air in the chamber didn't compare to the poor quality she's experienced in some of the destinations she's visited, where "the smell is in the air." Dalhousie University grad student Brinn Edgington also participated in one of the program's studies. "I have done research where I've been reliant on people participating, so I kind of feel like, for me, I need to pay it forward and participate in other people's studies, because it's important," said Edgington, who's lived with asthma and allergies since childhood. Edgington and Green said the only aggravation they experienced were watery eyes after a chamber session. Air pollution negatively affects whole-body health Exposure to air pollution can have an effect on the entire human body, exacerbating existing conditions like asthma and increasing the likelihood of developing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some research has found associations between poor air quality and mental health harms and heart disease. "You're breathing in toxic chemicals and particles, they get deep into your lungs, your body doesn't like it, it triggers inflammation and then that can lead to all sorts of systemic responses in different people," said Dr. Kerri Johannson, a pulmonologist and associate professor at the University of Calgary. Though Carlsten says indoor air purifiers, closing windows, staying indoors and wearing face masks outdoors during days with poor air quality are options for many Canadians, there are many people — including outdoor labourers — who can't always come inside to recuperate. "Those people really need attention and, unfortunately, tend not to get enough," Carlsten told Dr. Brian Goldman, host of The Dose. Simulations can only provide so much detail, expert says As a working pulmonologist, Johannson says the research out of APEL has been "field-changing." "What the Air Pollution Exposure Lab provides is an ability to measure cause and effect, the causality of an exposure leading to an outcome, and you can measure that through time," she said. "You can't get that type of information from any other type of research." Nonetheless, Johannson says there are limitations of exposure lab research, including that the lab typically only measures one exposure factor at a time. That means volunteers aren't being exposed to multiple pollutants at once — which is what happens in the real-world. WATCH | U.S. politicians say Canadian wildfire smoke is ruining their summer: U.S. politicians say Canadian wildfire smoke is ruining their summer 8 days ago After declaring another wildfire emergency in his province, Manitoba Premier Was Kinew fired back at six U.S. lawmakers who wrote a letter to Canada's ambassador, blaming the country's lack of forest management for 'suffocating' wildfire smoke. The lab recently submitted a grant proposal to address the issue of multiple exposures, according to Carlsten. And while the UBC lab's studies can last several months, Johannson says people can be exposed to harmful outdoor air pollution for decades at a time. "Sometimes people are exposed for 10 years in their workplace, and 20 years later they present with their chronic lung disease or cardiovascular condition," she said. But, if APEL research shows a connection between air pollution and poor health, Johannson said it's safe to assume that real-world consequences of air pollution are likely much worse. Working toward a cleaner future While air quality in Canada is among the highest in the world, wildfire smoke can greatly reduce air purity — like when Toronto's air quality was measured among the worst in the world in mid-July. Carlsten says that the lab is now working to translate their data into real-world solutions. "It is critical that we provide gold-standard evidence for interventions that can protect those exposed," Carlsten said. "We recognize that while understanding mechanisms of adverse effects of exposures remains important, and can support rationale for interventions, it's time now to test interventions that will lead to practical application."
CTV News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Colleen Bready's Forecast: Air quality concerns continue
Colleen Bready has your current conditions and updated weather forecast for July 17, 2025. As temperatures rise in Manitoba, so do air quality concerns in parts of Manitoba and northwestern Ontario on Thursday. Cooler temperatures earlier in the week brought a break from the worst wildfire smoke in northern Manitoba, but those conditions are changing. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued an air quality warning for several northern and central regions from Lynn Lake, Flin Flon and The Pas, through Norway House, Thompson and Island Lake. The weather agency said smoke is expected to cause very poor air quality and reduced visibility for the rest of the week. There is also the risk of thunderstorms in the north on Thursday, which could produce lightning strikes. Otherwise, most areas will see sunshine or a mix of sun and cloud with afternoon highs in the low 20s. Expand Autoplay 1 of 39 Mist over Caddy Mist over Caddy Lake against that beautiful sky! (Photo by Barb Bobychuk) Peguis , MB Peguis , MB (Photo by Cynthia Favell) Seagulls at Matlock pier Seagulls at Matlock pier (Photo by Diane Romanson) The Little Sask River A cool breeze getting ready for whatever is next. (Photo by Ray Baloun) Pinawa Pinawa clouds (Photo by Lea Bangert) Monday morning Monday morning at Dunnottar, Manitoba (Photo by Bill Miller) Clouds over Gardenton Clouds over Gardenton (Photo by Kim Okapiec) Jaeger and Wilson Jaeger and Wilson enjoying the warm, relatively smoke free morning. (Photo by Barb Lavallee) Ship docking Ship docking at the Port of Churchill (Photo by April Lundie) American Mink American Mink at the Seiner river (Photo by PAULETTE PINSONNEAULT) Rainbow Beautiful rainbow over Pelican Lake (Photo by Jamie Paquin) Gull Harbour Gull Harbour Lighthouse (Photo by Brett House) Notre Dame de Lourdes Beautiful and happy owl on perfect day. (Photo by Diane Simon) Great Balls of Peonies Gator and Harlow wholeheartedly agrees to the heavenly scent. (Photo by Pat Payjack) Lake Red Squirrel We feed the lake red squirrel corn on the cob on his special feeder. (Photo by Tania Kruk) Storm Storm last night near St-Pierre (Photo by Genevieve Hacault) Breezy morning Breezy morning and quite smokey (Photo by Andrew Ashett) Lightning flash on Caddy Lake Lightning flash on Caddy Lake, Whiteshell Prov. Park. (Photo by Mariam Bernstein) Beautiful Sunset Beautiful sunset in the Durban area. (Photo by Ryan Mccullough) Bald Eagle Bald eagle is drying its feathers after going after something in the river. (Photo by Allan Robertson) Red Sunset Red sunset (Photo by Ben Holyk) Mallard duckling Mallard duckling in action catching insects. (Photo by Wade Munro) The gulls are everywhere The gulls are everywhere (Photo by Pat Payjack) Rainbow Rainbow over St. Malo. (Photo by Linda Gay) Bird River No better way too start our holidays than coffee on the dock! (Photo by Tania Kruk) Split Lake Fire, smoke, Northern lights and the moon from my backyard. (Photo by Taralee Beardy) An artist touches up a mural An artist touches up a mural on the Gimli seawall as a storm rolls through in the distance. (Photo by Desiree Rantala) Northern lights Northern lights over Split Lake (Photo by Taralee Beardy) Sparkles and water Sparkles and water (Photo by Sheryl Twardoski) North Kildonan North Kildonan (Photo by Shirley Wark) Near Gimli Near Gimli (Photo by Cynthia Morrow) Rainbow Rainbow over Rainbow RM of Elton (Photo by Lacey Burdeniuk) Lee river sunset Lee river sunset (Photo by Ken Horn) Near Morris Near Morris (Photo by Sandra Harder) After the storm After the storm in Dropmore (Photo by Dan Watson) Rainbow Rainbow over Altbergthal, Manitoba (Photo by Jennifer Klassen) Stormy Sky Stormy sky Near Elm Creek (Photo by Tina Doell) Somerset storm Somerset storm (Photo by Amber Hacault) Mother Nature's own fireworks for Canada Day Mother Nature provided some spectacular fireworks for Canada Day! (Photo by Kat Hedges) Meanwhile, ECCC issued a special air quality statement for parts of eastern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, closer to where wildfires are burning. An area of high pressure over the area should keep smoke more contained in those areas for the time being. Conditions are uniform across southern Manitoba Thursday, including Winnipeg, with a mix of sun and clouds and below-normal mid-July temperatures in the low 20s. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-20s in Winnipeg and much of Manitoba by the weekend. Rain or showers could start by Sunday night and continue on Monday across most of the province, too.
National Post
7 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Contingency plans unclear for 2026 World Cup wildfire smoke risks
While some organizations have published clear air quality thresholds or contingency protocols for wildfire smoke, FIFA's plans remain unclear less than a year out from the 2026 World Cup. Article content A day after Toronto's air quality was among the worst in the world, the organizing committee for the World Cup in Canada declined to reveal guidelines for postponement or air-quality-related contingencies with FIFA. No policies are posted publicly. Article content Article content Article content The World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Canada will stage 13 games _ seven in Vancouver and six in Toronto. Article content The Air Quality Health Index rating for Toronto was over 10, or 'very high risk,' on Monday morning, dropping to a 'high risk' rating of 8 by late afternoon. Article content In the CFL, meanwhile, games can't be played when the AQHI surpasses a threshold of seven, according to an agreement with the players. CFL stadiums are also equipped with air-quality sensors to provide real-time readings. Article content The CFL postponed the Saskatchewan Roughriders -Calgary Stampeders game in Regina from Friday night to Saturday afternoon this past weekend due to air quality issues, as wildfires from northern Saskatchewan pushed the AQHI above 10. Article content Many minor soccer associations in Canada also recommend delaying or rescheduling games if the AQHI is 7 or higher. Article content Dr. Howard Shapiro, Toronto's associate medical officer of health, said in a statement that Toronto Public Health is actively reviewing the latest evidence and best practices for air-quality issues as the city prepares to host the World Cup. Article content Article content 'TPH may provide guidance and recommendations on public health risks, including environmental health concerns such as extreme weather and wildfire smoke,' the statement read. 'This includes contingency planning to support the health and safety of residents, visitors, and participants during the tournament.' Article content Canada recorded its most destructive wildfire season in 2023, with more than 6,000 fires burning 15 million hectares of land, according to Natural Resources Canada. This year's fire season, according to government data, is the second-largest on record. Article content Dr. Andrew Halayko, a professor of physiology and pathophysiology at the University of Manitoba, calls an AQHI above 10 a 'no-brainer' for postponing sporting events. Article content Halayko also believes outdoor activities on days when the AQHI rises higher than 7 should be rescheduled due to health concerns, even if it's just cheering on your favourite team from the stands. Article content Environment Canada says that wildfire smoke is more likely to affect individuals who are 65 or older, pregnant, young children, and those with existing health conditions or work outdoors.
CTV News
7 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Warm and windy Wednesday ahead of another wet day Thursday
The first half of Wednesday will be mild with a mix of sun and cloud and a high around 20 C for most of southern Alberta. Winds are expected to pick up in the afternoon to around 20 km/h with gusts closer to 40 km/h in the Calgary area. This wind precedes an incoming low pressure system that will bring rain across the Rockies late Wednesday before tracking east through Calgary on Thursday. Warm and windy Wednesday ahead of another wet day Thursday Air quality statements (gray) and air quality warnings (purple) issued by Environment and Climate Canada as of 7 a.m. July 16, 2025. Air quality statements have been issued for the southeast corner of Alberta due to wildfire smoke from Saskatchewan being pushed south. This should improve in Alberta once a shift in the weather pattern pushes some of that smoke back toward the source fires (in the central and northern communities). Thunderstorms are possible along the foothills Wednesday with the greatest threats including hail and strong wind. Funnel cloud development is also possible due to wind shear. There will be a moderate amount of moisture associated with this incoming system, and communities, including Calgary, could record another 15 to 20 millimetres of rain by early Friday. Cooler air is expected to funnel south along the foothills resulting in daytime highs on Thursday that are at least five to eight degrees below seasonal. The main theme this week will be a lack of consistency. Friday will be similar to Wednesday with more sunshine and highs in the low 20s. Saturday and Sunday both include a chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms with daytime highs around 21 C in Calgary.
National Post
16-07-2025
- Health
- National Post
What you need to know to understand air quality warnings in Canada
Article content What are the possible health impacts? Article content The immediate health impacts of poor air quality can include difficulty breathing, eye and throat irritation, cough, wheezing and chest tightness, and it can worsen any pre-existing symptoms of respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Article content When it comes to long-term impacts, there's still research to be done on the impact of exposure to wildfire smoke. However, preliminary results show 'an impact on lung function, a slight increased risk of lung cancer, brain tumours, potential increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and a potential effect on childhood development and developmental disorders of childhood,' said Green. Article content 'Wildfire smoke likely has negative health impacts on all body systems and we should avoid repeated and long term exposure,' said Green. Article content On July 14, until 11 a.m., Toronto had an AQHI of 10, meaning it was better to stay indoors, while in Halifax, the AQHI was 2, an ideal air quality for outdoor activities. Article content Article content The poor air quality in many parts of the country, like Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, was caused mainly by the forest fires over Northern Ontario and the Prairies. Article content 'An N95 mask will filter out a large portion of the particulate matter. It's not going to filter out those other air pollutants, like nitrogen dioxide and ozone and it's not a long term solution,' Green said. However, a surgical mask won't help, only an N95 worn correctly. Article content 'If someone must be outside and the AQHI is high, I would say, sure, yes, it will protect you if you wear an N95 mask,' said Green. Article content
