Research summary
Wildfires and structural fires (those involving buildings) will be an increasing source of air pollution as the climate changes—and the particulates they emit will have a substantial impact on air quality in major cities. As Canada Research Chair in Atmospheric Chemistry and Health, Dr. Arthur Chan is investigating two emerging air pollution sources connected with these fires: smoke and nanoplastic particles.
Chan and his research team are studying the compounds and mechanisms that are responsible for particle toxicity from burning a wide range of fuels, including human-made materials. They are also developing new techniques for measuring airborne nanoplastic particles, monitoring their atmospheric abundance, and observing their reactions and transformations. Chan’s team will also examine the chemical additives in plastics as well as their atmospheric fates. Ultimately, their work will provide deeper insights into how human-made materials and activities affect the natural environment, and could inform policy.