A Breath of Hope: Protecting Clean Air in a Changing Climate for a Healthier Future

Photo © Courtesy of NB Lung

A Breath of Hope: Protecting Clean Air in a Changing Climate for a Healthier Future

Take a deep breath…and exhale…It is nothing short of amazing to step back and recognize that our lungs work around the clock. We take an average of 22,000 breaths each day, providing essential oxygen to fuel our bodies. But ever-present air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, poses a risk to our health with each breath.

Air pollution is the biggest environmental risk to human health, according to the World Health Organization. Our lungs are literally in contact with pollution everywhere we go. Industrial and traffic emissions may be at the top of mind, but chemicals in products like fragrances and cleaning supplies are also pervasive. There is no “safe” level of exposure to air pollution; all exposure increases risks of various health impacts like increased risk of lung and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and mental illness. Children, the elderly, and those living with chronic health conditions are even more at risk. Further, exposure to pollution increases symptoms for the one in five Canadians currently living with lung disease.

Too many Canadians are dying prematurely due to air pollution: over 15,000 each year, according to Health Canada. This loss of life is devastating, and so too is the economic cost of worker absenteeism and hospitalization due to pollution-induced respiratory symptom exacerbations. We simply cannot afford the total economic cost of all health impacts attributable to air pollution of $120 billion yearly.

In Canada, we spend over 90 per cent of our time indoors. Naturally occurring radioactive radon gas is present in all buildings and is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Globally, Canada has some of the highest concentrations of radon, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. High radon can be removed with a specialized ventilation system.

Our charity, NB Lung, has defended clean air for over 20 years. We champion the lung health perspective on national advisory committees and working groups, influencing policy that protects the air we share. As part of a National Lung Health Alliance, we advocate for national policy changes to promote and protect clean, healthy air. We lead a national Clean Air Day awareness campaign during Environment Week in June, linking the critical connections between the environment and humankind's health.

Despite successes in limiting industrial emissions, creating cleaner fuel regulations, implementing electrification initiatives, and increasing radon awareness, our air is still vulnerable. Our changing climate is increasing Canadians’

exposure to air pollution. Wildfire smoke, heat waves, and mould from flooded buildings threaten air quality. Energy efficiency measures inadvertently trap indoor pollutants and radon indoors.

The solution is clear: we must protect the air we breathe through healthy public policy to reduce emissions from industry and transportation, limit harmful chemicals on store shelves, and invest in ventilation and filtration of indoor air. Doing so enables all Canadians to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.

Each of us can take steps today to protect air quality. Test your home for radon. Choose scentfree products. Consider healthy transportation options. Encourage your friends and family to do the same. And make your priorities known to your elected officials. Join NB Lung in our movement to protect the air we share. Check out our website at nblung.ca