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Increases in the severity and frequency of wildfires, atmospheric carbon dioxide and higher air temperatures result in an increase of airborne allergens (aeroallergens) and prolonged allergy seasons. Increased exposures to these aeroallergens can harm people’s health and can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations such as individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer survivors. It is estimated that air pollution-related health impacts, including medical costs, reduced workplace productivity, and premature death and disease have an economic value of $114B annually in Canada.[1] 

This project, led by Drs Emilia Lim and Min Hyung Ryu, focuses on determining how wildfire smoke and aeroallergens affect lung health. Lung cells from donors with conditions such as asthma, COPD, and lung cancer, that are grown in dishes, will be exposed to wildfire smoke and aeroallergens. These lung cells will then be analyzed by cutting-edge genomic and transcriptomic techniques to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for future interventions. 

The aims of this research project are: 

• to uncover the biological changes that make some people more sensitive to environmental triggers caused by climate change, 

• to create a detailed molecular database that helps researchers understand how these environmental triggers impact our respiratory pathways, and 

• to potentially pave the way for using genomics approaches to identify populations susceptible to the negative health effects of environmental exposures due to climate change. 

Ultimately, this research aims to lead to better ways to prevent and treat respiratory diseases. 

[1] Berry, P. & Schnitter, R. Health of Canadians in a Changing Climate: Advancing Our Knowledge for Action. (Government of Canada, Ottawa, ON, 2022).