Air Quality in First Nations Communities and the Policy Implications for Community-Based Physical Activity Programming
Mini-Oral Presentation C2.1
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.370Keywords:
Air Quality Monitoring, Particulate Matter, Health, Indigenous, RuralAbstract
Background: The health benefits of routine physical activity and exercise are clear; however, increased physical activity can lead to elevated exposure to air pollution that increases the risks for adverse events. Within most Indigenous or rural communities in Canada there is limited monitoring of air quality so community members may unknowingly be at an increased health risk for adverse events while being active. Policy Components: An air quality monitor was placed outdoors in Lytton, BC, a rural First Nations community, from April 2019 – June 2021 and particular matter (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10.0), inorganic matter (CO2, O3), temperature, pressure, and humidity were recorded during the two-year span. Evaluation: There were significant increases in particular matter (PM1.0, PM10.0) over the two-year sample period (p≤ 0.05). There were significant relationships between the different particular matter sizes (i.e., PM1.0/2.5 (0.976), PM2.5/10.0 (0.999), and PM1.0/10.0 (0.965), respectively (p<0.001)) and also between PM 1.0/O3 (0.200, p<0.05). At the highest PM levels, Environment and Climate Change Canada would recommend the reduction or rescheduling of physical activity/exercise. Conclusions: In a rural and First Nations community in BC, Canada, there were marked levels of air pollution that would affect the ability to safely participate in physical activity. These findings have important policy implications highlighting the need for monitoring of air quality within Indigenous or rural communities, and to consider the effects of air pollution when engaging in physical activity/exercise. Funding: This study was funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
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Copyright (c) 2021 Rosalin M. Miles, Delon D. L. Chan, Ryan G. Chan, Kai L. Kaufman, Shannon S. D. Bredin, Darren E. R. Warburton
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