Research summary
Globally, more than 10% of children and 5% of adults have been diagnosed with asthma. Irritants such as allergens, tobacco and cannabis smoke, e-cigarette vapour, and air pollution can worsen chronic lung disorders like asthma by creating a state of oxidative stress in the lungs. Dr. Andrew Halayko, Canada Research Chair in Lung Pathobiology and Treatment, is working to mitigate the negative effects of air pollution for those with chronic lung disease.
He and his research team are investigating how oxidative stress linked to inhaled air pollution promotes insensitivity to asthma therapies and abnormal changes (pathophysiology) in chronic lung disease. To support these goals, Halayko is creating AirSAFE, Canada’s first integrated facility for interpreting the effects of inhaled air pollution on health and disease. This will lead to a national platform for interdisciplinary research on the effects of air pollution on lung health and disease.