In the heat of environmental change ----CIHR experts available to discuss the impact of climate change and air pollution on our health

Newswise — Ottawa (August 7, 2012) – It’s well known that air pollution has a negative impact on our well-being. We can all name health problems due to it and respiratory complications come to mind immediately. What happens when extreme weather conditions are added to the mix? Health researchers are increasingly looking at air quality, the changing climate, and what it means for our health.

The following Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded researchers are available to talk about their research work.

Experts:How is air quality in Canada? What trends are we seeing?Dr. Michael Brauer, CIHR-funded researcher (Vancouver, British Columbia)

How does climate change impact on our food chain?Dr. Chris Furgal, CIHR-funded researcher (Peterborough, Ontario)

What do you breathe when you live in downtown Toronto?Dr. Greg J. Evans, CIHR-funded researcher (Toronto, Ontario)

How air pollution triggers asthma?Dr. Stephan Van Eeden, CIHR-funded researcher (Vancouver, British Columbia)

When a breath of air turns into lung cancerDr. Daniel G.C. Rainham, CIHR-funded researcher (Halifax, Nova Scotia),

Stronger sun rays – how should we protect ourselves?Dr. Victoria Kirsh, CIHR-funded researcher (Toronto, Ontario)

Ressource :• Environment Canada’s web page on Climate Change: www.ec.gc.ca/sc-cs/default.asp • Government of Canada’s Air Quality Health Index: www.ec.gc.ca/cas-aqhi/ • Environment Canada 2011 Climate Trends and Variations: www.ec.gc.ca/adsc-cmda/default.asp?lang=En&n=77842065-1

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

To schedule an interview, please contact: David CoulombeCIHR Media Specialist Office: 613- 941-4563Cell: 613-808-7526Fax: 613-954-6653E-mail: [email protected]

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