The Editor,
Nov. 20 is designated in Canada as Children's Day.
This year, the civic elections could overshadow Children's Day as there is much focus on election results and the promises local politicians made to improve life in their communities.
It will be interesting to find out what the newly elected have in mind for our children, other than providing sports opportunities, events and facilities.
From governments, our children need assurance that a healthy future is guaranteed them and, therefore, politicians have to focus on keeping the environment from further destruction for our next generations.
Their top priority should be eliminating air pollution.
An unlimited supply of clean unpolluted air is most vital to sustain life and give our children a head start to develop a healthy body.
Municipal politicians should do their utmost to help put in force bylaws that will take all air-polluting devices out of their cities, of which wood-fuelled fireplaces are the number one culprits as they are a very uncontrolled burning device.
Wood smoke can contain toxins that can contribute to birth defects, alter DNA and be harmful to anyone, especially children, as it can hinder their little lungs from properly developing.
Food smokers and outdoor fire pits and fireplaces that use wood as fuel are additional gadgets that pollute our neighbourhoods, robbing our children of their birthright to breathe clean air.
Brie Oishi, Port Coquitlam
