2.9 Evaluating New Information

You can use your understanding of the nature of science to discover the real meaning of news stories on health, science, and other national issues.

For instance, how does the Montreal Protocol affect asthma sufferers? CFCs were used in metered dose inhalers (MDIs) to deliver medication to asthma patients. Initially Canada requested, and was granted, an essential-use exemption for MDIs using CFC propellants. Having found that alternative hydrofluoroalkanes (HFA) propellants met safety guidelines, Health Canada proceeded with the transition. As of 2010, 99% of MDIs sold in Canada were CFC-free.

In Canada, The Canadian Lung Association (www.lung.ca) and The Asthma Society of Canada (www.asthma.ca) helped the public understand and accept this change. However, in the United States, where a similar process had occurred, there was resistance from the National Campaign to Save CFC Asthma Inhalers (www.savecfcinhalers.org).

Evaluate the websites and work with the information to answer the following questions: