Paediatric Respirologist, Professor, University of Ottawa, Department of Paediatrics

Dr. Tom Kovesi and his research colleagues, in collaboration with Canadian indigenous organizations, are investigating indoor air quality, and its relationship to severe respiratory infections in young Canadian indigenous children. Rates of respiratory infection are markedly elevated in Inuit children, and research by Dr. Kovesi’s team has shown that rates are also increased in First Nations children living on reserves in northern Ontario. His research has shown that reduced ventilation in the houses of young Inuit children is common and is associated with a higher risk of lung infections, and installation of heat recovery ventilators to improve ventilation, reduces the risk of these infections. His team is now investigating indoor air quality in the homes of First Nations children living on reserves.