If you're wondering whether to get an air purifier, yes they do work! I relied on them when living in Beijing.
Just make sure they're quality HEPA filters that can capture tiny PM2.5 particulates that can embed deep into lungs and cause long-term issues. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/P…
You may need more than one air purifier to cover the size of your home. If you can't afford conventional air purifiers, a homemade one (strapping a filter to a normal fan) works much better than none at all. nytimes.com/wirecutter/blo…
In an airpocalypse, it's best to avoid going outdoors. If you have to, the only mask that works to filter PM2.5 fine particulates (found in wildfire smoke) are N95 masks, but there are shortages and medical workers need them. Consult a doctor or health professional for advice.
Since air quality can vary depending on how the wind is blowing, it was very helpful in Beijing to have a personal air quality monitor so I could turn up the purifiers when needed.
My home/office constantly sounded like the inside of an airplane ... but safer air is worth it!
I interviewed a @ubcspph prof on how to prepare for wildfires, and why smoke can make #COVID19 symptoms worse.
Living in a polluted city means you can’t avoid exercising forever. But during wildfires, take a break from your workout routine! Don’t run outside! Stick to things like yoga to relax. Cuddle your pets. People in labour jobs outdoors are going to be disproportionately impacted.
Another thing you can do to take care of yourself and family is to eat well. Enjoy anti-inflammatory foods because a lot of the suffering from pollution is from our body getting inflamed. Lots of info online though it can get overwhelming so take it easy. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31816137/
More info on anti-inflammatory foods (avoid red meat and junk/fried foods, opt for more fresh fruits and veggies and lean protein). I don’t know if it’s scientific but turmeric tea makes me feel better. health.harvard.edu/staying-health…
Ginger turmeric tea with honey and milk. Very soothing when you can’t see one block down the street.
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Latest investigation by me, based on research from @DisinfoEU:
A website spread disinformation about Canada. Why did major Indian outlets treat it as news? via @torontostarthestar.com/politics/feder…
@DisinfoEU @TorontoStar IFFRAS appeared to be the last active Canadian node of a large fake news network.
This story highlights how disinformation can be weaponized to distort and misrepresent Canada to outsiders — and how it can malign diaspora in the process. @TorontoStarthestar.com/politics/feder…
@DisinfoEU @TorontoStar “These are sophisticated and purposeful activities meant not just to support the false information ecosystem within India for local consumption but to present false information to outsiders — including politicians and the public in Canada.”
#Breaking NDP is tabling a motion asking for David Johnston to step aside as special rapporteur on foreign interference “given clear appearance of bias.” @JennyKwanBC will also speak about her briefing with CSIS after she told @TorontoStar she was a “person of interest” to China.
“Whoever is putting pressure on me, they won’t succeed,” says @JennyKwanBC, who said she’ll continue to stand with people of Hong Kong and China. She “recommits herself to this fight” and “no amount of foreign interference would change that.” Confirms targeting is from China.
#EXCLUSIVE Canada set to name foreign labs, universities that pose risk to national security
Leading universities say they'll avoid working with the entities altogether — despite potential $100M loss in annual funding from foreign partners. thestar.com/news/canada/20…@TorontoStar
The list will include foreign entities at “higher risk” of engaging in research theft, unwanted knowledge transfers and interference, according to documents I saw.
The Canadian government confirmed to me this list is coming - likely first of its kind. thestar.com/news/canada/20…
NEW: Canada's list appears to be the first to serve as a “blanket ban” for federal funding for research with "higher risk" entities. And universities will apply more broadly.
Canada’s top-rated research university will end all its partnerships with Chinese telecoms giant #Huawei.
“We are disentangling ourselves from this company,” Charmaine Dean, vice-president of research at the University of Waterloo, told me exclusively. thestar.com/news/canada/20…
Waterloo’s decision — which @M_Johnston1 called extremely significant and possibly precedent-setting — will affect dozens of deals between the university and Huawei, including the school’s Waterloo-Huawei Joint Innovation Lab. thestar.com/news/canada/20…@TorontoStar
My story on knowing the ABCs of foreign influence coming out soon @TorontoStar. I went on to explain here that the RCMP and CSIS definitions of “foreign influence” are different.
Since 1979, the United Front has been an official bureau in China that employs thousands of agents to pursue the CCP's global interests. My book, "China Unbound", references a lot of Beijing's own documents to explain their foreign interference activities. joannachiu.com