Meet the Scientists

Dr. Vinita Chauhan: Identifying the Effects of Air Pollution on the Heart and Lungs

Environmental pollutants can have negative health impacts on the heart and lungs. Dr. Vinita Chauhan is trying to understand the factors involved in causing such effects. Dr. Chauhan is a postdoctoral fellow working in the Inhalation Toxicology and Aerobiology Section at Health Canada.

Along with discovering how air pollution may intensify cardiopulmonary disease, she is interested in finding the toxic components of environmental pollutants so that policies can be developed to regulate them.

She is currently studying endothelin. Endothelin is a peptide formed from 21 amino acids that tightens the blood vessels so that less blood is able to flow through at a time. High amounts of it are found in the blood of patients with heart and lung difficulties, making it a sign of cardiopulmonary disease. Previous studies at Health Canada have revealed that endothelin is influenced by air pollutants.

Dr. Chauhan is using lung cells grown in culture flasks to help understand how air pollutants alter the production of endothelin and other peptides that tighten the blood vessels. Additionally, she is using the cells to measure the effects caused by particles from sources other than air pollution, such as urban dust.

"We would like to identify the specific components of air pollutants that may worsen the conditions of people predisposed to heart disease", she said.

Dr. Chauhan is working with Dr. Renaud Vincent, an environmental toxicology scientist and head of the Inhalation Toxicology and Aerobiology Section. His interests lie in the pulmonary and cardiovascular effects of inhaled air pollutants. With a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Ottawa, she applied to work with Dr. Vincent because she was interested in doing environmental health research.

The postdoctoral fellowship at Health Canada has allowed Dr. Chauhan to enjoy many benefits, such as access to high-tech equipment and the chance to work with a dynamic group of researchers.

"The interaction with the other scientists in the field has enabled me to take in various perspectives on the work", she said of the opportunity.

The time in the department has been a learning experience for her. She has been able to pursue her different interests and has been challenged to do many things.

"I have really enjoyed my time at Health Canada", she said. "I believe our research will put us a step closer toward improving the health of Canadians, and shaping government policies on air pollution."