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New Dirt on Air Reinforces the Need for Smarter Public Policy
Leading BC Environmental Health Advocates Want Bolder Action
Vancouver, BC – October 2, 2008 - More of what we now know about air pollution and its health effects should be making its way into the public policy arena, says the BC Lung Association, who today released the 4th Annual BC State of the Air Report.
The annual initiative unites BC health and environment researchers, physicians and public policymakers to provide a snapshot of air quality issues, pollutant levels, their health implications and new research findings.
“Bringing health advocates together with policymakers to reach agreement on key messages and research findings is as valuable as the end product itself,” says Scott McDonald, Executive Director for the BC Lung Association, who doesn’t believe British Columbians have yet fully grasped the full seriousness of the problem.
“It’s hard to create a sense of urgency about the growing health effects of dirty air when on one hand we’re telling British Columbians dirty air is creating unprecedented health risks, while on the other we’re saying BC air quality, according to current air quality standards, is generally good,” says McDonald.
Dr. Tom Kosatsky, Associate Director of Environmental Health Services for the BC Centre for Disease Control says, “We know that inhaling constant traffic fumes negatively impacts heart and lung health. It has become clear that long-term exposure causes long-term damage. And new research demonstrates air pollution exposure has adverse effects on expectant mothers, infants and young children. This has implications for land use planners and suggests that distance from major roadways become a consideration in the location of day cares, schools and hospitals.”
“Wood smoke is another public health issue that requires attention,” says Dr. Ray Copes, Clinical Professor for the University of British Columbia’s new School of Population and Public Health. “Wood smoke from home heating and industrial sources is an important air pollution issue in many BC communities. Exposure to wood smoke can have serious health effects. Burning wood releases harmful pollutants and particulate matter. Once released, these wood smoke pollutants travel and can have health consequences for those with and without pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.”
“British Columbians too often think if you can’t see these invisible killers, then we’re fine. Nothing could be further from the truth, We breathe 20,000 times a day, that’s 10,000 litres of air passing through our lungs – much of it a toxic soup of pollutants, but getting British Columbians to take air pollution seriously is difficult – particularly if we rely on comparisons to cities and countries with even worse problems,” continued McDonald.
About the 2008 Annual BC State of the Air Report
This report has been produced by the BC Lung Association with the support of all levels of government, non-governmental organizations, community groups and committed volunteers. It is intended to briefly summarize some of the air quality issues we are facing here in British Columbia and to give readers some ideas about how they might take an active part in preserving and improving our air quality.
Contributors to the report include the BC Centre for Disease Control, BC Ministry of Environment, Environment Canada, Greater Vancouver Regional District, Fraser Valley Regional District, BC Ministry of Health and Health Canada.
Download the complete report here.
Media contact:
Katrina van Bylandt,
Communications Manager,
BC Lung Association
T 604.731.5864, or 1.800.665.LUNG (5864)
E vanbylandt@bc.lung.ca