News & Media
Wildfire smoke kills 1,500 Canadians per year
Dangerous wildfire smoke concentrations in Canada have nearly tripled since the turn of the century. In British Columbia, summer has become the wildfire season. As the CBC's Camille Vernet reports, new research indicates that wildfire smoke appears to be worse for the lungs than traffic-related pollution.
Breathless - Breathing in the Age of Forest Fires
Wildfire smoke kills 1,500 Canadians every year. Nine-year-old Carter Vigh was one of those victims. His death sparked a movement among municipalities and scientists to better protect the public from this new threat.
What Using an Air Purifier Every Night May Do for Your Sleep and Blood Pressure
A nightly air purifier could potentially improve sleep and blood pressure levels. Here's what to know.
The best air purifiers to help you stay healthy, according to experts
Board-certified allergists and filtration experts break down the use cases and what to look for when purchasing an air purifier to remove airborne particles from your home.
7 Small Swaps to Live with Fewer Toxic Chemicals
Avoiding hazardous chemicals can be a challenge. We asked environmental health experts what they do to keep themselves safe.
Air pollution levels linked to wildfires could shorten lifespans
In 2023, Canada experienced its worst air pollution levels since 1998, according to a report by the University of Chicago's Air Quality Life Index. Scientists say the average Canadian would lose roughly two years of their life expectancy if those levels hold.
Provided expert opinion for multiple stories on China Creek Wildfire
The Mount Underwood wildfire outside of Port Alberni is unusual for Vancouver Island, with the fire growing to 1,391 hectares less than 24 hours since it was first reported.
Plastic pollution is still a problem. A UN meeting in Geneva is hoping to change that
Countries are gathering in Geneva from Aug. 5 to 14, with the hopes of passing a legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution.
Air quality warning in place as wildfire smoke blankets Nunavut's Kivalliq region
An air quality warning is in effect as smoke from wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan blankets much of Nunavut’s Kivalliq region on Tuesday.
Discussing Lungs on Fire: Experimental lab methods and administrative health data analysis
As wildfires grow more intense and frequent in British Columbia, some of the best and brightest minds in lung health research in British Columbia have come together to collaborate on ‘Lungs On Fire’. This 5-year, 2 million dollar grant funded by CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) will further investigate the long-term health effects of wildfire smoke and how wildfire smoke exposure cdan impactindividuals differently across 3 research pillars.
B.C. government plans to cut payments for long-COVID clinics, leaving patients in the lurch
At least one clinic could be forced to close, leaving 5,000 patients in the lurch as research on long-term impacts of virus still underway.
This lab asks research volunteers to breathe in toxic fumes — and they do it willingly
As air quality worsens in Canada due to wildfire smoke, UBC's Air Pollution Exposure 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.
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.
Canadians under smoky skies, air quality alerts as wildfires persist
Watch Canadians under smoky skies, air quality alerts as wildfires persist
Doctor shares advice on staying safe amid air quality warnings
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.
Changes in wind direction could blow wildfire smoke into southwestern B.C.
Experts are urging everyone to be ready if wildfire smoke is in their region. Wearing a well-fitted N95 mask outside can be one of the ways to reduce risk.
How does poor air quality affect my health?
Wildfire smoke can feel unavoidable during summer in Canada, and that's on top of the air pollution that most cities experience during warmer months. Respirologist Dr. Chris Carlsten, head of University of British Columbia's Air Pollution Exposure Lab, explains how poor air quality affects our health, and how masks and air filters can help.
Progress on deadly heat dome recommendations in B.C., but more work needed: advocates
How B.C. will protect those most at risk from extreme heat is a pressing issue.
Fire Weather (Still in Production)
EXCLUSIVE: the feature, directed by Nicholas de Pencier and Jennifer Baichwal, builds on John Vaillant’s non-fiction book, which details 2016’s Fort McMurray, Alta. wildfire.
Why are so many of Canada’s wildfires burning ‘out of control’?
Many fires burning across Canada, forcing evacuations and threatening air quality in the United States, cannot simply be put out, authorities and experts say.
Kids could be breathing in plasticizer chemicals from their mattresses, new study suggests
Babies and children up to age four could be breathing in and absorbing plasticizer chemicals from their mattresses while they sleep, a Canadian study suggests.
What's different, and worse, about the smoke from the L.A. fires
Los Angeles is already infamous for poor air quality. But the fires scorching the area now are sending up plumes of black smoke that pose threats to human health beyond that of standard wildfires.
Despite government orders, Vancouver tenants say landlord failed to make repairs
Dan Fumano: Tenants of a West End apartment building are frustrated with government for not holding the property owners to account.
Scientists want you to know there’s just no way wildfire smoke is good for your health
Scientists are figuring out how wildfire smoke affects asthma, dementia and a host of other health risks — and how to explain it to the rest of us
B.C. health group claims LNG is pushing the province’s health-care system toward collapse
Watch B.C. health group claims LNG is pushing the province’s health-care system toward collapse
300 Health professionals urge the province to stop investing in the LNG industry
300 health professionals signed an open letter to the province, saying the liquefied fossil gas industry (LNG) is worsening the healthcare system in B.C.
Liquefied natural gas pollution linked to 60 premature US deaths a year – report
LNG exports responsible for $957m in total annual US health costs, says new Greenpeace and Sierra Club report
300 Health professionals urge the province to stop investing in the LNG industry
President of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment calls for B.C. to get a better handle on health impacts from LNG.
Dangers of wildfire smoke on your health
Dr. Chris Carlsten highlights the risks of wildfire smoke and the steps people can take to safeguard their respiratory health.
Wildfire smoke may be worse for your brain than other air pollution, study says
Wildfire smoke may be worse for brain health than other types of air pollution, according to new research linking it to an increased risk of dementia.
How to protect your lungs from wildfire smoke
Dr. Chris Carlsten highlights the risks of wildfire smoke and the steps people can take to safeguard their respiratory health.
How air quality and wildfires affect your health
Living with asthma webinar with Drs. Emily Brigham and Chris Carlsten
Advocates call for plan to help northerners cope with wildfire smoke
Ahead of the wildfire season ahead, some advocates in the North are calling for wildfire smoke to be considered a public health issue.
Plastic pollution treaty negotiations set to begin day after Earth Day in Ottawa
UBC expert on ocean pollution Juan José Alava says many scientists are calling on governments to phase out primary plastic polymers.
Inhaled Microplastics and Airway Development: Concerning Evidence from Organoids
Dr. John Fleetham chats with Dr. Barbro N Melgert and Dr. Chris Carlsten about their articles
In New York, 1 in 4 residents now live within a half-mile of a mega-warehouse.
A new study shows that nearly a quarter of residents in New York state live within a half-mile of a mega-warehouse and the mega-pollution.
Oil sands produce more air pollution than industry's required to report, study says
Writing stimulates brain connectivity, the aftermath of a giant underwater volcano
Odour from Burnaby refinery leaves residents with questions
There's a call for more information after a refinery in Burnaby emitted a noxious smell that blanketed the region.
B.C. launches new anti-vaping campaign in high schools
The British Columbia Ministry of Health is launching an anti-vaping campaign across all high schools called “A-Z”.
The science of exposure: How climate hazards affect our health, and what we can do about it
UBC researchers are on a mission to understand how biological, social, and environmental factors interact to make us more susceptible to climate change. Their findings could hold the key to better health for everyone — starting with our most at-risk communities.
Queen City Marathon runners should check forecast for smoke, have plan for any issues: respiratory expert
Several thousand people are expected for the Queen City Marathon. Regina has seen a record amount of smoke has filled the city so far this summer. The air quality health index suggests air pollution should be low risk this weekend but winds make it hard to predict where wildfire smoke will drift.
As wildfires multiply, a new era of air pollution
From Quebec to British Columbia to Hawaii, North America is facing an extraordinary wildfire season -- and regions both near and far have found themselves increasingly blighted by smoke exposure.
Does pollution make us completely stupid?
On a passé en revue les articles scientifiques consacrés aux effets de la pollution sur le cerveau humain. Et le moins que l'on puisse dire, c'est que les résultats sont préoccupants.
Wildfire smoke believed to cause up to thousands of premature deaths in Canada each year
Researchers say it will be years until the true long-term consequences of regular smoke exposure are known
Traffic pollution impairs brain function, study finds
Just two hours of exposure to diesel exhaust fumes is enough to lower certain areas of brain function, according to the first human exposure study.
Wildfire smoke raises health concerns, expert says as parts of Sask. hit highest air quality index level
Estevan, Regina, Saskatoon and Swift Current are reporting conditions that rated as "very high" on Environment and Climate Change Canada's air quality health index.
New study reveals the dangers of inhaling microplastics
A new study shows some detrimental effects of microplastics. Data suggests that the tiny plastic particles can be found in human airways, meaning they can by inhaled. As Katherine Ward reports, researchers say the toxic substances could pose serious health hazards to the respiratory system.
How we measure air quality and what the numbers mean | CBC News
Wildfire smoke has led many to start poring over charts and numbers to get a sense of the air quality in their area. But what exactly do these indexes measure, and how should they be interpreted? Here's a quick primer.
Canada is in flames — here's how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke
With hundreds of fires burning across the country, Canadians in major cities are seeing and breathing the effects of wildfire smoke.
Air pollution from increasing wildfires could pose long-term health risks
Some scientists warn that repeated exposure to the air pollution wildfires produce could lead to a higher incidence of illnesses such as cancer and dementia
How wildfire smoke travels-and how to prepare when it hits
The smoke forecast shows smoke beginning to drift toward the B.C. coast from several large fires in Northern B.C. and Alberta
The Silent Killer! The Danger of Air Pollution on our Health. With Dr. Chris Carlsten
Air pollution is "the world's largest environmental risk factor for disease and premature death" (Lancet). Yet very few people are aware, understand or take action against this global threat. Join Rayane and Dr. Chris Carlsten in learning more about air pollution and its impact on our health.
You may have asthma and not even know. Here's why
Asthma may be one of the most common chronic diseases in Canada, but experts say it can be tough to diagnose — including in adults.
Can we end deaths from air pollution?
Don’t hold your breath.
Are diesel vehicle emissions in the Salt Lake Valley messing with our heads?
New research out of Canada shows fumes from diesel-powered vehicles (like the trucks and trains that come through Salt Lake City) could be affecting how brains function.
B.C. researchers find traffic pollution affects brain
The first-of-its-kind study finds breathing in road pollution for even a brief amount of time can impair a brain’s function.
‘First of its kind’ study by B.C. scientists links air pollution to decrease in brain function
A new study on air pollutants and brain function at two B.C. universities is raising questions when it comes to living in high-traffic areas.
Air pollution is changing how our brain functions, researchers at UBC, UVic find
Exposure to diesel exhaust for just two hours led to changes in brain function connectivity, a measure of how different regions of the brain interact with each other, according to one of the researchers.
Breathing in traffic pollution can quickly impair brain function: BC Study
While cognitive effects were temporary, the lead researcher of the UBC and UVic study is concerned about possible long-term effects.
McMaster study builds on link between long COVID and autoimmune diseases like lupus
Some long COVID patients suffering symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath are showing signs of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, suggests a McMaster University study that builds on similar findings elsewhere.
UBC prof co-leads study that suggests long-COVID is an autoimmune disease
"We can pretty much find some form of autoantibody in everyone if you look hard enough, but the question is whether it's actually causing disease." — Dr. Chris Carlsten
Car fumes could pose higher risk to women as they cause increased levels of proteins linked to hardened arteries, research suggests
Women had higher levels of proteins linked to hardened arteries. This may raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke - although much more research is needed to confirm this.
Keeping cool: The need to adapt to a new climate reality on Canada’s West Coast
As temperatures rise, people across British Columbia are starting to realize that strategies for heat mitigation are largely non-existent -- and that’s no longer acceptable.
CBC Tout Inclus — Air Pollution Exposure Lab
What are the impacts of air quality on our health? Researchers at the University of British Columbia are trying to find out. At the heart of their laboratory, an intriguing booth mimics the air one might breathe in a megacity like Beijing or Mexico City.
‘Medical gaslighting’ harming long-COVID patients
Long COVID patients are often told by their doctors that their symptoms are all in their head - a form of "medical gaslighting."
Why is plain packaging for e-cigarettes no longer required in B.C.?
Opinion: British Columbia’s innovative decision requiring plain packaging of vaping products was quietly repealed last month.
B.C.'s COVID long haulers: Some paying for treatment, all looking for answers
Some British Columbians who were among the first to become infected with a mysterious global virus that didn’t yet have a name are marking two years of lingering symptoms.
Allergy season in full bloom already in Metro Vancouver
"On average, climate change is bringing earlier, more intense and longer pollen seasons to many parts of the world, but certainly to British Columbia." — Dr. Chris Carlsten, professor and division head of respiratory medicine at UBC.
The test trap for long COVID patients in B.C.
Biking 20 kilometres to and from her classes at Langara every day was the norm for Juliet in the months before she fell ill with COVID-19 in December.
Vaccination may lower risk of ‘long COVID’ studies say — but experts aren’t so sure
There is some evidence to suggest COVID-19 vaccines can lower the risk of long-lasting symptoms among breakthrough cases, but the jury is still out, experts say.
Why a B.C. doctor says it’s time to include climate change as a part of diagnoses
"As physicians we need to think what are the underlying causes that bring people in to see us," Nelson physician Dr. Kyle Merritt said.
BC Lacks Key Data on COVID Patients Who End up Back in Hospital
Alberta numbers show almost one in five are readmitted within a month, adding to strain on system.
Canucks' Brandon Sutter struggles with lingering COVID-19 symptoms
It’s unclear when veteran Vancouver Canucks centreman will get back on the ice.
Harvard study links exposure to wildfire smoke and COVID-19 with implications for BC
The B.C. Health Ministry has warned residents that wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs, affect the immune system, and make one more prone to lung infections and viruses
False Positive: Why Thousands of Patients May Not Have Asthma after All
A staggering number of people are being treated for a disease they don’t actually have
Cross Country Checkup with Ian Hanomansing - July 25, 2021: Ask Me Anything: Dr. Christopher Carlsten on wildfire smoke and your health
As wildfires continue to burn, the smoke is wreaking havoc all across the country. In our Ask Me Anything, Dr. Christopher Carlsten, professor and head of respiratory medicine at University of British Columbia, answers caller questions about wildfire smoke and health.
This is what wildfire smoke is doing to your body. (We asked a doctor.)
Climate change is making wildfires more common, and it’s still unclear what the long-term effects may be.
Long COVID' clinics expanding as thousands of British Columbians struggle with symptoms
The number of new COVID-19 infections has dropped from its peak during the third wave, but the medical system is only now ramping up supports and medical treatment for thousands of British Columbians who continue to experience symptoms months after getting sick with the coronavirus.
Canucks: 'You don't want to get this' — Travis Green on his battle with COVID-19
"There was a point where I was worried about our players a lot and then I was pretty sick, and worried more about getting through each day." — Travis Green
B.C. researchers working to develop breath test for COVID-19
Researchers in B.C. are working on developing a rapid COVID-19 breath test that would detect coronavirus in the volatile organic compounds we exhale and could potentially be used at airports, schools, arenas and other venues.
B.C. launches interdisciplinary COVID-19 Care Network with three dedicated clinics
Vancouver, B.C. – British Columbians who are recovering from COVID-19 now have access to three post-COVID-19 recovery clinics at St. Paul's Hospital (SPH), Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), and the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre in Surrey.
It was one of the best moments of my life:' Saskatoon man completes Ironman triathlon after testing positive for COVID-19
David Samual no longer takes running for granted.
Christopher Carlsten and Milan Khara: Let’s smoke out other public health priorities amidst COVID-19
Opinion: This would be an opportune moment for the government to declare smoking and vaping cessation in British Columbia as a key public health priority
Three-quarters of hospitalized COVID-19 patients have symptoms months later: UBC study
Dozens of people in the Vancouver area who were previously hospitalized with COVID-19 have been tracked by UBC researchers, who found the majority are still reporting symptoms months after their initial illness.
More than 75 per cent of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital reported abnormal symptoms three months later
A UBC study following a cohort of 78 ex-COVID-19 patients has found more than 75 per cent continue to experience significant symptoms, including half with irreversible lung scarring.
Doubted and dismissed: COVID-19 'long-haulers' share their experiences
Canadians who have experienced an often bizarre array of COVID-19 symptoms for months say doctors have made them feel like they're crazy and even their friends don't believe what they're going through.
Air quality in New Westminster, B.C., worse than New Delhi as pier fire adds to wildfire smoke
For the past three days smoke blowing into southern B.C. has been so bad it landed Vancouver in the top three spots on a list of major cities that have the worst air quality in the world.
Struggling with post-COVID-19 syndrome in a First Nation with limited health services
Andrew Yesno of Eabametoong First Nation in northern Ontario contracted the coronavirus at the end of March and began feeling better in May, but months later he's still struggling with fatigue and shortness of breath.
B.C. looking to buy air purifiers for smoke relief in wildfire-affected communities
The province has put out a request for contract bids, amid concerns the wildfire season and COVID-19 could combine to cause serious health issues.
COVID-19 and Wildfire Smoke: A Potentially Bad Combination
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of different air pollutants that causes episodes of extremely poor air quality.
COVID-19 could make this year’s wildfire season more dangerous
On March 25, the National Weather Service issued a “red flag warning” for thousands of acres stretching across six Western states, including northern New Mexico, Colorado, and southern Nebraska.
Pollution made the pandemic worse, but lockdowns clean the sky
Even before the coronavirus, air pollution killed seven million people a year. Will today's cleaner air inspire us to do better?
Q&A: UBC researchers warn of dangers of air pollution during COVID-19 outbreak
With all attention on COVID-19 and concerns about the capacity of our health care system to cope, emphasis has rightly been placed on social distancing, handwashing and increasing hospital capacity.
COVID-19: B.C. burning ban aims to improve air quality, reduce impact of virus
"Any degradation of air quality can have major effects on health" -- Dr. Christopher Carlsten, UBC professor of respiratory medicine
To help flatten the curve, let’s clean our air
COVID-19 attacks the respiratory tract, and air pollution can exacerbate that, and add strain to our health-care system. Here’s what we can do, while physically distancing
How aging increases vulnerability to COVID-19 and how pollution can make it worse
Your body's ability to fight off viruses naturally declines as you get older, becoming more weak and less targeted, and pollution exposure makes it even worse.
Coronavirus fears and young people
Despite all the warnings, there have been repeated examples of young people ignoring the 'social distancing' rules. What's behind that phenomenon, and why the experts say it's getting increasingly dangerous. Linda Aylesworth reports.
Nearly 40 Percent of U.S. Hospitalized Coronavirus Patients Are Age 20 to 54
New C.D.C. data shows that nearly 40 percent of patients sick enough to be hospitalized were age 20 to 54. But the risk of dying was significantly higher in older people.
Respiratory illness related to vaping claims first life in U.S.; Canadian health officials watching situation closely
The death comes as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigates 193 cases of severe lung illness across 22 states.
Man with severe asthma says new police powers unfair for people unable to do breath test
A B.C. man with severe breathing issues who recently had his car impounded and driver's licence suspended — twice — says new rules that allow police across the country to pull over any vehicle and force the driver to take a breath test are causing undue hardship for people who cannot blow into a breathalyzer.
The Nature of Things with David Suzuki, “Something in the air”
The documentary speaks to the continued deterioration and new risks in the most essential element for survival: air. The invisible ultra-fine particles that we breathe in every three seconds affect our brains, our DNA and overall health and well-being.
The product is ahead of the science': Doctor fears future 'epidemic' of long-term vaping effects
There are many similarities between the past popularity of cigarettes and the current vaping trend, says Dr. Chris Carlsten, director of UBC's Occupational Lung Disease Clinic and a professor of respiratory medicine.
ReInventors | Would you lock yourself in a box of smog–for science?
If you could teleport inside a polluted box to save lives, would you?
Langley woman's petition calls for ban on smoking in condos
A Langley woman is hoping her petition with hundreds of online supporters could lead to a change in the province's laws, resulting in a default ban on smoking inside condo or apartment suites.
Lingering smoke from B.C.’s wildfires poses health risks
Western Canada is getting choked from the thick smoke emanating from the hundreds of wildfires in British Columbia. Eric Sorensen has more on the health risks and the precautions people should take.
Runners push through heat, smoke in training for Queen City Marathon
For several people getting ready for the Queen City Marathon, the past week marked the most gruelling training runs they’ve done yet, in hot and smoky conditions that have been a battle for some.
More heat, drought and longer fire season in Canada’s future, experts say
Heat and drought. A longer fire season with more frequent wildfires and larger areas burned. That’s what’s in store for Canada, especially the prairie provinces, in the coming years, experts say, a situation that is being directly attributed to climate change.
Air quality in Calgary may improve slightly over weekend, but relieve will be brief
Smoke blanketing Calgary from hundreds of B.C. wildfires is now expected to remain into the weekend, with any relief likely to be only temporary.
Township scraps truck route designation on 216 Street - Langley
Despite lack of designation, trucks will still be allowed to use the Walnut Grove road
Asbestos exposure remains a risk in older homes across B.C.: Talk to your contractor about asbestos
Talk to your contractor and get your pre-1990s home tested for asbestos before any renovation job, no matter how small. You’re protecting the health and well-being of your family and the workers in your home.
B.C. must learn from asbestos-related deaths for regulation of nano-particles, e-cigarettes: expert
Asbestos exposure was the leading cause of workplace deaths in 2017, 20 years after regulations drastically restricted workers' exposure to it.
Monkeys? Humans? The ethics of testing diesel fumes
After the revelations around Volkswagen human testing, just what are the methods and regulations?
Toronto Air Pollution Disproportionately Affects Poor, Non-White People
"The general idea that air pollution levels in Canada could go kind of in the wrong direction is scary."
Smoky air from wildfires getting you down?
If the stubborn haze hanging over Metro Vancouver from forest fires is getting you down, there are both physical and psychological reasons for it.
Air pollution experts warn of smokier B.C. cities in future as climate changes
In some cases, there can be a doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling of people visiting pharmacies to obtain blue puffers to increase the flow of air into their lungs.
How to stay safe in smoky air: Tips from health experts
Hazy, smoky air is causing some dramatic, fiery red sunsets, but it's also causing concern for those with heart and lung conditions, as well as the elderly and parents of very young children. Here are some tips from experts to avoid problems in smoky air.
B.C. wildfires and floods show climate chaos is upon us
People whose lives have been devastated urgently need help now. The province also has to plan for the future.
BC’s official tree is a source of health problems for many in forestry industry
Western red cedar trees, B.C.'s official tree, can cause serious lung problems for those who inhale their dust on the job.
UBC finds potential biomarker for a surprising health hazard
For the decade that Dr. Carlsten has been doing these tests, he has collected and preserved blood samples for future study. But until recently, the vials sat mostly dormant in a freezer at VGH.
Imminent, ‘bloody criminal’ Langley Township interchange angers ailing residents
Homeowners Eugene and Betty Nelson feel terribly wronged about a new freeway interchange that is coming to the Langley Township, a few paces from their front yard.
Y’all have it worse than us, Texan says of Ottawa’s steamy weather
Our city is about to get so steamy, even people in the burning U.S. Southwest want no part of it.
The tiny changes air pollution makes inside you
A Canadian study is getting volunteers to breathe the kind of dirty air we find in many of our cities – to see what the toxins may be doing to our genes.
We talked to the Albertans selling bottled air to China – and despite all indications to the contrary, it’s not a hoax
A bottle containing 7.7 litres of Rocky Mountain air retails for $32 online, comes with an attached breathing mask and promises ‘upwards of 150 inhalations’
Okanagan residents learn to live with threat of fire
With western provinces experiencing a massive volume of wildfires this year, experts, politicians agree this is new norm
Experts voice fears for B.C.'s climate future, as western wildfires rage
With thick orange smoke blanketing British Columbia and mass evacuations taking place from wildfires in Saskatchewan, Canadians are getting their first real glimpse of what a hotter future from climate change might look like.
Four-alarm fire shuts down part of Vancouver’s downtown port area
Residents east of Main Street and north of East First Avenue were advised by Vancouver Coastal Health to stay indoors.
Air pollution actually messes with your genes
Sometimes you just have to put people in a smog chamber and dose them with diesel. For science.
Diesel fumes could cause changes in DNA methylation
A recent UBC study showshow a brief exposure to diesel exhaust can create significant alterations within a person’s DNA methylation.
Diesel exhaust a danger after 2 hours, indicates UBC study
Dr. Chris Carlsten says short-term exposure to diesel exhaust can affect the coating on DNA
UBC study says exhaust fumes can change DNA
A new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia says exposure to diesel exhaust fumes could cause more damage to people than previously assumed.
Air pollution can cause harm to DNA, UBC study finds
Joint UBC/Vancouver Coastal Health study discovers exposure to exhaust fumes causes minor gene damage after just two hours
Breathing diesel exhaust causes changes “deep under the hood”
Just two hours of exposure to diesel exhaust fumes can lead to fundamental health-related changes in biology by switching some genes on, while switching others off, according to researchers at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health.
Pay attention to pollution to combat asthma symptoms: case study
For a 38-year old professor who cycled to work every day, asthma symptoms tended to be worst in midmorning and early afternoon on weekdays, but improved noticeably on weekends.
Olive Oil Might Have Protective Effect Against Air Pollution
It remains to be seen whether the protective effects seen in healthy subjects will be reproduced in subjects with cardiovascular disease, who could most stand to benefit from a supplement.
Pollen seasons changing, asthma and allergy rates on the rise
Mounting evidence shows that hay-fever season lasts up to a month longer than in the past
Allergic to Sochi and proud of it: Feschuk
Cue my Eureka moment. That’s what’s wrong with me!
Accident 'ruined my life' Olympic medallist Magnussen had planned to coach into her 90s, but an ammonia leak at the rink left her disabled
When the Winter Olympics were in Vancouver four years ago, Karen Magnussen was one of the fans sitting in the Pacific Coliseum taking in the figure skating.
Study: Living with dogs may help guard against respiratory virus
Dog owners and parents, take a deep breath. Get your children to take a deep breath.And most importantly, shake some carpets, fluff your pillows and get your infants to take a deep breath.
Himalayan salt cave for relaxation and healing; is there such a thing as a sodium chloride superfix?
A man-made salt cave is tucked into a corner of a nondescript North Vancouver strip mall. Its low profile belies the bold claims of health benefits made by its owner.
Allergy Sufferers, brace yourselves for the summer of sneeze
Early spring and hot, dry summer forecast will have allergen-producing plants working overtime
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