Author profile
Ray Copes, MD, FRCPC
Climate change in BC is predicted to bring warmer, rainier winters; drier summers; and more extreme weather events.[1] As a result, interactions between people, the environment, and pathogens will change. Here we review... Read More
What is radon?Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas. It forms naturally from the decay of uranium in soil and can enter buildings and accumulate in indoor air.[1] As inhaled radon gas irradiates the lining of... Read More
This article is the opinion of the Council on Health Promotion and has not been peer reviewed by the BCMJ Editorial Board. Radio communications and human exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy date back... Read More
The BC Lung Association, with support from the BC Ministry of Environment, has developed information on air pollution and health for BC physicians. The materials are available at the BC Lung Association web site (www.bc... Read More
In spite of the substantial amounts invested by Canadian governments in the provision of top-quality municipal drinking water, bottled water has gained in popularity over the last decade. In British Columbia, 23% of... Read More
The debate of whether there are adverse effects associated with electromagnetic fields from living close to high-voltage power lines has raged for years. While research indicates that large risks are not present, the... Read More
Indiscriminate use of natural resources and increased output of noxious end products during manufacturing processes is threatening the very existence of our planet. Most would agree that positive change is necessary,... Read More
Much concern has recently been voiced about an increase in the number of clandestine drug labs. The drugs typically synthesized in these clandestine labs include methamphetamine and related substances. The activities... Read More
Since the time of Hippocrates, physicians have been aware of the environment as a factor affecting human health. More recently, the physical environment has been recognized as one of the determinants of health. In... Read More
Exposure to air pollutants is an important public health problem in British Columbia. Conservative estimates place the premature death toll from air pollution in BC at approximately 140 to 400 deaths per year, with 700... Read More