Atmosphere Solutions

06/10/2024

DIY Air Cleaners Workshop

Topic: DIY Air Cleaners and Community Heat Response

VCH and SFU are hosting a 2-hour, in-person, morning workshop for community organization staff on June 21st in Gibsons. This workshop is specifically for staff of local community agencies and community groups, with a focus on practical information and hands-on activities.

📅 Date: June 21, Friday
🕒 Time: 10am-12pm (2 hrs)
📍 Location: Gibsons

Join us for this hands-on workshop to learn how to create DIY air cleaners and effectively respond to community heat emergencies. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register early to secure your spot.

🔗 Registration link:

June 21 Friday - Workshop - 3 hoursVancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Simon Fraser University (SFU) Faculty of Health Sciences will host a ½ day, in-person, morning workshop for community organization staff on June 21st on the Sunshine Coast.  This workshop is aimed at community organiza...

06/10/2024

Online Information Session on Wildfire Smoke and Vulnerable Populations

Topic: Wildfire Smoke Preparedness for Vulnerable Community Members

Long-range weather forecasts indicate we expect another summer of intense wildfires. VCH and SFU Faculty of Health Science are offering a free online information session for organizations on the Sunshine Coast that work with and support our most vulnerable community members – seniors, low-income, and homeless people. Practical information, instruction on effective devices, and best practices will be provided.

📅 Date: June 12, Wednesday
🕒 Time: 11am-12pm (1 hr)
📍 Location: Online

Join VCH’s Meghan Straight, Analyst Healthy Environments & Climate Change, and SFU Faculty of Health Sciences Associate Professor Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol, as they share resources and training opportunities to support your team in responding to wildfire smoke. SCRD staff will also provide information on Emergency Preparedness. This session is specifically for community organization staff and agencies on the Sunshine Coast. The presentation component is roughly 40 minutes with time for Q&A afterwards.

🔗 Registration link:

Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, and cross platform group chat into one easy-to-use platform. Our solution offers the best video, audio, and screen-sharing experience across Zoom Rooms, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and H.323/SIP room systems.

08/18/2023

This summer, wildfires have consumed more than three times the area than any other previous year on average that researchers have studied. While this has had devastating environmental impacts, it will also likely result in a larger number of premature deaths due to health complications from smoke inhalation. The Globe and Mail has also reported an upward trend of premature deaths may result in the following years due to this increase in wildfire severity.
Read more at:

Researchers say it will be years until the true long-term consequences of regular smoke exposure are known

08/04/2023

Are you concerned about the long-term health effects of wildfire smoke? This summer Canada has experienced an unnervingly early start to the wildfire season, which may bring up concerns regarding prolonged wildfire smoke exposure.

While a CBC report stated short-term smoke exposure may lead to systemic inflammation in the body, this can also exacerbate other chronic diseases like heart disease. Additionally, children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases appear to be the most vulnerable to wildfire smoke exposure, experiencing the greatest long-term health complications. During smokey periods, it is important to refrain from strenuous outdoor activity, and refer to air quality reports to stay informed about when it is safest to engage in activities again!

To read more about the long-term effects of wildfire smoke, click here:

As Canadians learn to deal with the immediate health effects of wildfire smoke, researchers are gradually learning more about the long-term impacts smoke exposure could have on the body.

12/04/2022

Two Metro Vancouver libraries say there has been astronomical demand for carbon dioxide monitors after they began stocking them last month. The tiny monitors, update with the amount of carbon dioxide in the air every few minutes, measured in parts per million (ppm). Not only is carbon dioxide a measure of indoor air quality — with poor air quality shown to impact learning outcomes and brain activity — it can also be a reflection of the amount of infectious aerosols in the air, particularly relevant given airborne diseases like COVID-19.

Two Metro Vancouver libraries say there has been astronomical demand for carbon dioxide monitors after they began stocking them last month.

11/30/2022

Did you know that when wood is burned in home appliances, fireplaces or campfires, the wood smoke released can cause lung and heart disease?

Wood smoke contains pollutants and gases that can cause eye and throat irritation, increase inflammation and decrease the body’s ability to oxygenate blood.

Learn more about precautions to take when burning wood at http://ow.ly/kI4f50LPxsc

11/03/2022

Negotiators on behalf of European governments and Members of the European Parliament reached an agreement on ending sales of new combustion engine cars and vans by 2035. Green group Transport & Environment (T&E) welcomed the deal which will see the EU become the largest economy to phase out sales of polluting vehicles. Cars and vans are responsible for 16% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. Read more here:

E welcomes historic agreement and says lawmakers must now accelerate other measures to bring down vehicle emissions in this decade.

10/21/2022

We work with our community to improve and protect air quality, undertake climate action, and enhance the life and health of current and future generations. We operate within the Sunshine Coast and Sea to Sky regions:

10/18/2022

Both a Smoky Skies Bulletin and an Air Quality Advisory have been issued for multiple areas across the province. Local high concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) are being caused by smoke from wildfires burning in BC and Washington; conditions are expected to persist for the next 24-48 hrs.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-quality/air-advisories

10/17/2022

Wildfires burning in parts of B.C. and Washington State are affecting local air quality. Poor air quality conditions may persist for several days until weather patterns change. Wildfire smoke is a constantly-changing mixture of particles and gases which includes many chemicals that can harm your health. Consider taking extra precautions to reduce your exposure. Near real-time air quality monitoring data can be found here:

10/03/2022

Check out our Fall Newsletter!

https://mailchi.mp/52f8d47bb0e7/save-on-heat-pumps-learn-about-local-air-quality-and-come-to-our-agm

09/30/2022

The Society for Atmosphere Solutions is committed to the empowerment of local indigenous communities, and we embrace the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation process. We remain steadfast in our aim to listen to and learn from elders, survivors, and community members. 🧡