Grant: Operating Grant: Health Effects of the Alberta Wildfires - Other

The wildfires in Fort McMurray left behind large reservoirs of ash particles in buildings and in the outdoor environment. Fire ash contains many toxic compounds and, if inhaled by residents, can cause lung diseases. In this program, known as Fire Ash Characterization and Evaluation of Toxicity (FACET), we will determine whether or not the residual ash from the fires will continue to pose health risks to residents in Fort McMurray and Fort McKay. We will work closely with local environmental agencies and local communities (Fort McKay First Nation) and collect indoor dust from resident homes and outdoor ash samples. We will measure the concentration of known toxic compounds in environmental dust that can be compared to safety guidelines. Using advanced lung models, we will also assess the overall toxicity of environmental dust in the lungs, and how the toxicity changes under environmental conditions. Through this work, we will provide the knowledge needed to understand the fate of fire ash in the environment, and the impacts of residual ash inhalation on human health.