September 12, 2023
Parents call for better air quality in schools to protect against viruses, fire smoke
Prof Jeffrey Siegel, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Toronto tells CTV News that for better air quality in schools, "The no-brainer that works in every school is a good portable filter in every space that's sized appropriately for the space." Read more
July 21, 2023
Wildfire smoke spotlights need for better indoor air quality, experts say
Prof Jeffrey Siegel, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Toronto, said there has been a lack of messaging from public health officials over the benefits of improving air quality. Read more
July 12, 2023
Wildfires aren’t going away. Here’s how smoke can affect your health
Prof Jeff Brook questions if wildfire smoke could alter how certain organs--lungs, brain, heart develop in the fetus, particularly from really high smoke exposure and with stress because the mom’s worried about the high exposure. Read more
June 28, 2023
Toronto’s air quality is officially the worst in the world due to wildfire smoke
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Prof Jeff Brook shares with the Toronto Star steps people can take to clean the air inside, such as building an air purifier or using a “state-of-the-art” portable air cleaner or HVAC system. Read more
In an interview with CTV News, he also explains why kids are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults. Read more
June 27, 2023
What is ‘smoke brain’? How air pollution can harm our cognition and mental health
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In an interview with the Toronto Star, Prof Jeff Brook talks about studies that have shown “strong correlations” between air quality and the development of autism. Read more
June 24, 2023
From traffic to bad air, low-income groups face the worst of climate change in Toronto: experts
According to Prof Jeff Brook, climate-related risks facing under-served neighbourhoods are exacerbated by the fact that communities made up of newcomers and lower-income groups may not speak English and can lack the agency to fight decisions that could hurt them. Well-off communities "know the system, they have more power in general," Read more
June 22, 2023
Gas stoves may produce higher levels of cancer-causing chemical than second-hand smoke, new study finds
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Prof. Jeff Siegel explains why installing range hood could have greater impact than removing gas stove. Read more
June 8, 2023
This DIY air purifier could improve your home’s air quality and protect you from wildfire smoke. Here’s how to make it
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Kristin Iorio, who is also a chemical engineering PhD student at the University of Toronto studying air quality, said these homemade purifiers are a simple and effective tool to improve air quality and remove pollutants.Read more
June 7, 2023
Wildfire smoke: Best ways to protect yourself and your family as air quality worsens
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During the special air quality statement, “Make sure that you’re not overexerting yourself and getting exposed to more smoke,” recommends Jeff Brook, an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry. “Take it easy.” Read more
June 6, 2023
‘My throat's burning': Canada's wildfires put millions under air quality advisories
Prof. Jeff Brook comments on the impact of wildfires on air quality, public health challenges, emission of greenhouse gases. Read more
June 6, 2023
Toronto’s air quality ranks among the world’s worst as fires rage in Ontario and Quebec
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Jeff Brook, an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, recommended wearing an N95 mask to minimize the smoke’s impacts. But even a standard surgical mask would help, he added. Read more
June 6, 2023
With wildfire smoke in the forecast for Toronto, is it time to bring back masks?
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Where there's high levels air pollution Prof. Jeff Brook recommends avoiding strenuous outdoor activities and closing all doors and windows. Investing in an air filter, such as a HEPA filter, can also help remove the fine pollutants that can still enter inside, even with windows and doors closed. Read more
March 16, 2023
Heavy metals and microplastics: U of T researchers tackling air pollution from vehicle brakes and tires
With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, car-related air pollution will be less of a concern, right? Think again, says a group of University of Toronto researchers who are studying the effects of air pollution from brakes, tires and other non-tailpipe emissions. Read more
