Air pollution negatively affects the respiratory health of tens of thousands of Canadians every year, resulting in pain, suffering, loss of productivity and even death. According to a recent study conducted by the Ontario Medical Association, about 6,000 Ontarians will die from smog-related illnesses in 2006.

CANDU nuclear energy is a key part of the solution to this problem because it produces virtually none of the pollutants that contribute to smog.

By improving air quality, CANDU nuclear helps to reduce asthma and other debilitating respiratory related diseases. Given its close connection and association with the health benefits of clean air, it’s no wonder that AECL has decided to renew and strengthen its commitment to the Asthma Society of Canada.

This fall, AECL is joining forces with the Asthma Society in a move that underscores the importance AECL places on the positive contribution CANDU nuclear technology makes to the environment and to the health of Canadians and others around the globe.

Through its three-year commitment, AECL will be supporting programs aimed at educating asthma sufferers on how to help control the disease - including developing an action plan with their doctor- and encouraging caregivers to access asthma education resources and services.

AECL is particularly pleased to be a Presenting Partner of the Asthma Society’s new Breathe Free Canada Program. This new social marketing initiative will support organizations that have taken concrete action in implementing operational processes that demonstrate a clear reduction in air pollutants. The Asthma Society, along with its partners, will officially recognize Canadian firms that are able to demonstrate that their environmental initiatives are allowing Canadians to breathe cleaner air.

With the goals of the two organizations so closely aligned, AECL and the Asthma Society will leverage their partnership to collaborate on a wide variety of other related projects as well. Just this month, the Asthma Society agreed to become an Associate Member of Team CANDU, which formalizes their support for the Government of Ontario to choose Canadian-made CANDU nuclear technology for its new build nuclear program.

AECL is proud to be a sponsor of the Asthma Society of Canada. By using its CANDU nuclear energy to produce electricity for the past 40 years, Canada has avoided well over two billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, acid gases and fine particulate matter. And CANDU nuclear energy is key to any national emission reduction program. Not only is CANDU technology reliable, affordable and a world leading performer, it is clean. Clean CANDU nuclear contributes to the improved health of Canadians with asthma, and helps all citizens “Breathe Free.”