Your Health and a Changing Climate Newsletter, Volume 5, December 2006

Outreach Activities

Lecture Series

On June 13, 2006, Dr. Monica Campbell, Toronto Public Health Department, and Dr. David Waltner-Toews, University of Guelph, were featured speakers at Health Canada's Riedel Environment and Health Lecture and provided results of their climate change research projects funded by the Health Policy Research Program at Health Canada.

Extreme heat events are associated with substantial premature mortality, as is air pollution, particularly in major urban centres. A study, with Dr. Campbell as principal investigator, undertaken by scientists from Toronto Public Health and Environment Canada, improved understanding of the differential and combined impacts of extreme temperatures (heat/cold) and air pollution on human mortality. The study assessed temperature and air pollution impacts on mortality over a 46-year period (1954-2000) in four Canadian cities (Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Windsor) and made projections on further impacts on mortality arising from global warming later this century (2050 and 2080). In addition, the structure of heat waves and mortality in Toronto was examined in greater detail to provide insights into adaptive mechanisms such as Toronto's heat warning system.

Dr. Waltner-Toews , principal investigator on a second study undertaken by a University of Guelph team, investigated the incidence of water-borne illnesses in Canada, and described the complex systemic interrelationships between disease incidence, weather parameters, and water quality and quantity, and projected the impact of global climate change on these relationships.

>>> For more information or a copy of the presentations, email marcia_armstrong@hc-sc.gc.ca Lecture Series