Most of us only think about the air we breathe in response to a crisis, whether it’s wildfire smoke choking the skies or a smog advisory on our phones. But air quality — both indoors and out — are worth thinking about year-round, according to Alberta Lung, an organization that has been at the forefront of improving lung health in Alberta for decades.
“We tend to take air quality for granted, except when the sky is orange,” says Jamie Happy, Health Promotion Coordinator at Alberta Lung. “But our lungs are like sponges. Everything we breathe in has a cumulative impact — not just on our lungs, but our overall health.”
With the support of a $40,000 grant from Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF), Alberta Lung is leading a public awareness initiative aimed at empowering Edmontonians, particularly equity-deserving communities, to take action on air quality issues.
“Clean air is fundamental to community well-being,” Melisa Zapisocky, Grants Associate at ECF says. “This initiative is about more than information — it’s about equity and empowerment. Alberta Lung is equipping Edmontonians with practical tools to safeguard their health, and that strengthens our entire community. In my household, we’ve built a DIY air purifier that we use when it’s smoky outside, and it’s made a huge difference to our health and quality of life.”
The invisible risk
Radon is a colourless and odourless radioactive gas that can’t be detected without a specific test. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in Canadians after cigarette smoking. The gas typically enters homes through cracks in the foundation, especially a concern in winter when people seal up their homes. In Canada, lung cancer is both the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers.
Canada has some of the highest levels of radon and those levels are rising as a result of thawing permafrost, which previously acted as a natural containment layer. Modern building practices also play a role. Unfortunately, Alberta currently lacks a provincial radon mitigation program — a gap Alberta Lung is working to fill through education and accessible testing initiatives.
Thanks to the ECF grant, Alberta Lung has expanded its Radon Kit Lending Program in partnership with the Edmonton Public Library (EPL), making short-term radon testing monitors available for free. This project will also help inform both the organization’s education programs and a children’s asthma and lung disease education event in spring 2026.
“The demand has been incredible; we’ve had long waitlists,” says Happy of the lending program. “Thanks to ECF’s support, we’re reducing that wait and reaching more people, including through content translated into multiple languages.”
Outreach that meets people where they are
In addition to testing, Alberta Lung is using ECF funding to support educational programming in underserved communities. This includes DIY air purifier workshops that teach people how to make effective home air filters using low-cost materials like a box fan and a high efficiency air filter — an especially useful tool during wildfire season or in homes without HVAC systems.
“We really want people to feel empowered, not overwhelmed,” says Happy. “You don’t need a high end HEPA purifier to improve your air. A simple DIY option can work just as well and that’s important from a health equity standpoint.”
Alberta Lung is also conducting webinars, hosting community events and partnering with rural municipalities to spread awareness about air quality risks and solutions.
“Pulmonary Fibrosis means wildfire smoke really irritates my nose, throat and lungs,” says one program participant. “The DIY air purifier and air quality monitoring education project helps keep me safe indoors and outside.”
Says another participant, “I’m a teacher, and the clean air challenge, air quality and DIY purifier guide are an easy way to give my students actionable information.
Health equity at the forefront
ECF aims to strengthen Edmonton’s community by encouraging innovation, visionary thinking and leadership. This means identifying trends and priority needs in our city and providing the right resources to the right people, projects and places with a view to empowering Edmontonians.
Alberta Lung’s air quality advocacy, as much about equity as it is about public health, clearly fits within ECF’s mandate.
“Exposure to poor air quality disproportionately impacts those in lower-income housing, those with pre-existing health conditions and non-English-speaking communities,” says Happy. “By funding programs that remove barriers, whether that’s cost, access or language, ECF is helping make this work inclusive and effective.”
Looking ahead, Alberta Lung hopes to expand its mitigation efforts, including the development of grant programs to assist homeowners who test high for radon but face financial barriers to making necessary repairs.
“This collaboration with ECF truly speaks to a shared commitment to community well being,” says Happy. “Together, we’re building healthier environments — one home, one person, one breath at a time.”
5 ways to improve indoor air quality
1. Test for Radon: Order a radon test kit at HomeRadonTest.ca or borrow one from your local EPL branch.
2. Ventilate While Cleaning or Cooking: Open windows and use exhaust fans to reduce the buildup of fumes from cleaning supplies or cooking.
3. Switch to Low Toxin Products: Use unscented, bleach-free and ammonia-free cleaning products whenever possible.
4. Use a MERV-13 Filter: Whether it’s a furnace filter or a DIY purifier, a MERV-13 rating ensures better particulate capture without breaking the bank.
5. Make a DIY Air Purifier: All you need is a box fan and a filter. Follow these instructions from Alberta Lung.
Visit ablung.ca to access air quality resources, radon testing information, and upcoming workshops.
This story comes from the Spring 2026 edition of Thrive Magazine.
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