A study has found air inside homes on four remote First Nations in northwestern Ontario contained carbon monoxide, fine particles, mould and other substances that increase the risk of respiratory infections.
The report’s author, David Miller, a distinguished research professor at Carleton University, says there are ways to improve ventilation.
“This is an opportunity not a black hole,” said Miller.
The study published last month tested the air in 101 homes on Lac Seul First Nation, Kasabonika Lake First Nation, Sandy Lake First Nation and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation. Three of the communities aren’t accessible by road except during a short time in winter.
About 27 per cent of the homes had elevated levels of carbon monoxide. Almost half had visible mould.
“Ten per cent of the houses have enough mould damage that they should be fixed today, not tomorrow,” Miller said.
He said researchers also found endotoxin levels higher than in any previous study in Canada. Levels of the bacterial compound were 1,000 times higher than Miller said he has ever seen. When concentrations of endotoxins are high, they can affect lung function and cause a greater response to allergens, particularly in children.
Endotoxins can come from things like pets, humidifiers, firewood stored indoors and cigarette smoke. They are also more likely in rural areas rather than cities.
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CTV News
December 28, 2023
