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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2007-05-10, Page 7By Nora Sobolov and Kenneth Maybee As we begin to assess the federal government’s new Clean Air Regulatory Framework, the Canadian Lung Association has several stark facts squarely in view. Six million Canadians – one in every five – currently suffers from lung disease; 2.5 million Canadians have asthma and the rate in children is four times higher than it was 20 years ago. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is the fourth leading cause of death in Canada, and the only one still rising. One Canadian dies every 20 minutes from lung disease. Lung illness costs Canada more than $15 billion each year. This includes the direct costs to the health care system as well as the estimated cost of lost work time and degraded productivity. The links between air pollution and respiratory illness are strong and well established scientifically. The increases in deaths and hospital visits related to respiratory illness during urban smog events are just the tip of the iceberg. There is growing evidence as well that global warming will further erode lung health. Changes in temperature and precipitation due to climate change are predicted to increase air pollution levels, forest fires, mould growth and pollen levels, all of which exacerbate lung disease. When we consider any program or policy on clean air, The Lung Association’s bottom line is quite simple: will these actions produce absolute reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gases? Only real reductions will improve the air we breathe and lower the current staggering burden of lung disease in Canada. From this perspective the federal government’s new regulatory framework is cause for both encouragement and concern. On the air pollution side, the proposal to introduce regulations that mandate hard caps and significant reductions for major pollutants is an important, groundbreaking step forward. If the projected reductions in air pollutants are achieved, it will literally save thousands of lives and improve the quality of life for millions of Canadians suffering from respiratory illness. Also positive is the plan to regulate the contaminants affecting indoor air quality, such as radon, pollutants for cleaning products, and off-gassing from new carpets. Since Canadians spend 90 per cent of their time indoors, it is critically important that we ensure that indoor environments are clean and healthy. On the climate change side, the government’s proposed reliance on intensity-based targets – reductions in emissions per unit of production – raises serious concerns from a health perspective. The government’s projection of an absolute reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020 of 20 per cent (from 2006 levels) would mean a significant improvement. However, the unanswered question Canadians must ask is: will an intensity-based approach actually deliver the results the government anticipates. Intensity-based emissions in this country have gone down dramatically over the past 20 years, but total emissions have gone up as the economy has expanded. The government will need to demonstrate convincingly how its new approach will achieve the critical goal of absolute reductions in GHGs. A further concern is that the proposed compliance mechanisms under the regulations may be too generous in providing industry with alternatives to real reductions in emissions. Beyond those concerns there is the additional question about the government’s plans post-2020. The government has stated that its goal is to achieve a 60 to 70 per cent reduction in greenhouses gases by 2050, but the strategy for actually getting there is not addressed in the announced plan. Canadians need – and deserve – a long-term solution to smog-choked air and rising rates of lung disease. We will need leadership at the national level to achieve the much- needed reductions in air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and rising rates of respiratory disease for the long-term if Canadians are truly going to be able to breathe easier. The Lung Association stands ready to work with the government, the opposition parties and other stakeholders on strong, long-term, strategies to reduce air pollution – which kills thousands of Canadians every year - and on serious steps to reduce greenhouse gases. We are hopeful the other national health organizations will do the same. We urge all parties to work constructively towards real progress on air quality – the six million Canadians suffering from lung disease simply cannot wait any longer. The government’s proposed Clean Air Regulatory Framework offers some promise – but much work remains to be done. Remember, when you can’t breathe nothing else matters. Nora Sobolov is the president and CEO of The Lung Association Kenneth Maybee is the chair of Environmental Issues for The Lung Association THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2007. PAGE 7. Salute The nurses of Wingham District Hospital are looking forward to Nursing Week, May 6-12. The hospital will be holding a dinner in appreciation of the nurses' hard work during the week. (Advance Times photo) COPD a leading cause of death The Brussels, Morris and Greydiabetic meeting was held Wednesday, April 25 at Huronlea with 10 members present. The meeting opened with a discussion about the Mitchell diabetic meeting held the week earlier. Everyone thought it was definitely a learning day. The treasurer’s report was given. Members were advised that the medical building committee had given the group some additional funding. It was decided to give the Huronlea Auxiliary a donation in appreciation for use of the facility. The speaker, Dionne Smith, from PharmaSave in Lucknow discussed various types of sunscreen explaining the meanings of UVA, UVB and UVC as well as SPF numbers. There are different bases for sunscreens; some may cause skin irritations. Next she spoke on examples of medications that may cause sun sensitivity and ones that may contribute to heat stroke. She gave descriptions of heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke. She also gave information on over- the-counter drugs. There werevarious questions regarding drugs the members were taking. She then distributed several handouts on the sun and drugs, as well as the new Canada’s Food Guide. During the lunch break Smith stayed and answered individual questions. The group resumed with a short business portion. September is fast approaching and they need to have directors prepared for that meeting. Scott said she hoped that members would be willing to act again as directors. She also needs to know the desires of the members as to speakers and topics. Contact her with any suggestions for the fall meetings. The next meeting is, Wednesday, May 16 at Huronlea at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Lorraine Devereaux, dietician, from Seaforth Community Hospital. Pharmacist speaksto diabetic group Buffet Dinner 5 pm - 7 pm $15.95 BrBrunch & Dinner Bufunch & Dinner Buf fetfet Brunch 11 am - 2 pm $12.95 www.wgcc.on.ca Wingham Golf & Curling Club Jamestown Rd., Wingham 519-357-2179 GG rr ee aa tt GG ii ff tt ss ff oo rr MM oo mm 15% off all women’s clothing & golf gloves Sale runs May 9-13 SS pp rr ii nn gg RR aa tt ee ss 9 holes $14 ~ 18 holes $20 Driving Range Open $5/basket Golf lessons available from golf professional Dave Meriam. Great place to come for all your team, work and family parties. Call the golf club for details. Call for reservations & details Graduation Mark Wilbee At the April 27, 2007 122nd Convocation of Westervelt College, London, Ontario, Mark, son of Keith and Gloria Wilbee graduated from the Police Foundations Program. He has been employed as a Security Guard with Garda Security in Ottawa. Congratulations, Mark we are very proud of you. Love and best wishes from your family. Sometime between May 4 at 7 p.m. and May 5 at 9 a.m. thieves forced their way into a securely- locked shed located at a residence on Roxboro Line, Huron East. They gained entry into a locked cabinet and stole four firearms. If you have any information that can assist police call the OPP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Items stolen were a Marlin 925M bolt action, serial: 9S620294, Mossberg bolt action Fin: 4551087 22 cal., Remington pump action shot gun, serial: S738292V Fin: 4551086 and a Winchester pump action shotgun, Serial: 1812775F Fin: 7013723. Firearms stolen We’ve Handpicked All of Her Favourites There’s something for every mom from our garden centre Cty. Rd. #25 Auburn 519-526-7262 We’re open Saturdays until 4! • beautiful hanging baskets • garden ornaments • planters & urns • gazebos • fountains & water features • trellises • benches & chairs ...and so much more! We now carry landscaping stone, edging and patio stone AUBURN CO-OP