The Canadian Arctic: An Environment to safeguard
December 16, 2020 | from Science Behind the Scenes
In honour of Arctic Science Month, we check in with three Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) scientists; Chris Derksen, Sandy Steffen and Hayley Hung, who carry out research in the North. They share why it is so important to study the Arctic.
The Unsung Heroes behind the Made-In-Canada COVID-19 Lab Test
November 23, 2020 | from The Science of Health
Accurate and timely testing is an essential part of Canada’s response to control the spread of COVID-19. When someone tests positive for COVID-19, they self-isolate to limit further spread and the contact tracing process begins to identify other individuals who may have been exposed. This process helps to protect not only the individual but also their family and their community so that everyone can follow public health recommendations. In the absence of an authorized vaccine, testing and contact tracing are some of our most powerful public health tools to limit the spread of the virus.
Much ado about radon: Dealing with the issue at home
November 19, 2020 | from The Science of Health
Radon is a radioactive gas released by the decay of uranium deposits in the soil. It’s odourless and colourless, and when it’s released outdoors the low concentration poses absolutely no health risk. However, inside our homes, radon can become trapped, reaching levels that become dangerous over time. All homes have some radon, but levels vary depending on local soil deposits, type of construction, and ventilation.
Polar Bears: The very large canary in the coalmine for our generation
November 17, 2020 | from Science Behind the Scenes
This month, we catch up with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) research scientist, Evan Richardson, to talk about his research on polar bears and the impacts of climate change on the iconic northern species.
Observations from Space help understand Environmental Issues on Earth
October 23, 2020 | from Science Behind the Scenes
This month, as our neighbours and colleagues in the United States celebrated Earth Science week, we look at how one Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) scientist is using Earth Observations from NASA satellites to inform efforts to combat climate change.
Cooking up a storm
September 28, 2020 | from The Science of Health
Did you know that cooking is one of the largest sources of air pollution in your home? Every time you turn on that stove, particles may be released into the air, which could cause health issues in the long run. The solution is not to stop cooking entirely and eat out every day! Instead, just ventilate when you cook. Turn your kitchen exhaust fan on when you start cooking and leave it on for about 5 to 15 minutes after you finish cooking, or open a window, to help improve the air quality in your home.
The air around us: Evidence from the Subway Air Quality Study
September 21, 2020 | from The Science of Health
Have you ever wondered about the quality of the air that you breathe while you are stuck in traffic? Keith Van Ryswyk, a researcher on air pollution exposure at Health Canada, has been looking into it and the results are interesting.
ECCC Scientists contribute to worldwide effort to track Climate
September 17, 2020 | from Science Behind the Scenes
For many of us, working at Environment and Climate Change Canada is more than a job – working directly on the frontlines in the fight against climate change is a calling. At ECCC, many of our scientist are dedicated to tracking the long-term effects of a changing climate, contributing to an important body of evidence that informs the public, as well as decision-makers. We are proud to share the work of Lawrence Mudryk, Ross Brown, Chris Derksen, Kinson Leung, Vincent Cheng and David Phillips as part of the recently published State of the Climate in 2019 report.
ECCC Research Scientist’s findings point to success of the Montreal Protocol
September 15, 2020 | from Science Behind the Scenes
In 1987, all 197 member states of the United Nations came together to adopt the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This environmental agreement regulated the production and consumption of human-produced chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) — found in products such as aerosols — that deplete the ozone layer. Now, more than 30 years later, we continue to recognize the positive impacts of this landmark protocol to protect the shield that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation.
Linking Air Pollution and Health
September 11, 2020 | from The Science of Health
Do air pollution and climate change affect us even before we are born? That is what Health Canada scientist Dr. Eric Lavigne is trying to find out. His research looks at how human health is affected by the air around us, including pollution, outdoor temperatures, climate change and allergens.
How ECCC is managing pollution from small gas engines
August 18, 2020 | from Science Behind the Scenes
This month, we are profiling ECCC’s work on managing pollution from small gas engines. Be sure to follow the department’s social media channels to learn interesting facts about pollution from everyday tools, and actions you can take to help make our air cleaner.
The science of adapting to climate change
August 17, 2020 | from The Science of Health
In the face of a changing climate, Canadians must learn to adapt to protect their health and their communities. Even as we take efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, changes in climate will continue to affect our lives and health. Knowledge of the impacts of climate change and the options for adapting has increased greatly over the last 20 years, thanks to experts and scientists who continue to work on this key issue.
COVID-19: Putting NML to the test
August 6, 2020 | from The Science of Health
On January 26, 2020, a team of specialized respiratory illness researchers at the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) restlessly awaited the arrival of a delivery that would change Canadian history. A sample from Canada’s first presumptive positive COVID-19 case. As soon as the patient was presumed positive for COVID-19, the NML was preparing to have the virus shipped to their laboratory in Winnipeg to confirm the diagnosis.
Emerging science fostering regulatory policy development
June 25, 2020 | from Cultivating Science
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) safeguards the health of Canadians by using science to figure out what poses the greatest risk to the food supply, and conducts inspections accordingly.
Christy Arseneau - Science Director, CFS-AFC
March 5, 2020 | from Canadian Women in STEM
Christy Arseneau is Science Director, Forest Health and Biodiversity, at the Atlantic Forestry Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She is originally from Dalhousie, NB, and has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Forest Conservation from the University of Toronto.
How does science assessment help with plastic pollution reduction?
February 28, 2020 | from Science Behind the Scenes
To address the growing problem of plastic entering the environment, the Government of Canada is taking action to reduce plastic pollution, including banning harmful single-use plastics where warranted and based on science, as early as 2021.
The late Steven Solomon honoured at Aurora College
February 19, 2020 | from Below the Waterline - GSC at BIO
Steve Solomon, a valued colleague at the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) who died in 2011, was recently honoured by Aurora College in the Northwest Territories with a plaque at the Western Arctic Research Centre in Inuvik.
Meet those leading the way in the field of air pollution science
February 11, 2020 | from Canadian Women in STEM
The Exposure Assessment Section of Health Canada is a multi-disciplinary research team in the field of air pollution science. Their work supports government decision-making, academic advancement, and scientific resolution of questions related to air pollution exposure in Canada. The team includes dedicated scientists with expertise in epidemiology, geography, (bio)statistics, environmental health and modeling, engineering, and toxicology.
CFIA scientists investigate “fruitful” technology
February 10, 2020 | from Cultivating Science
Science at CFIA is ever-growing, always changing, and constantly improving. As our science changes, the tools, techniques and infrastructure must also evolve to meet the needs of our innovative scientists across the country.
