The air quality in Canada is taking a hit as wildfires rage across the country. The smoke from the fires is causing poor air quality in many areas, and health officials are warning people to take precautions to protect their health.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a scale that measures the health risk associated with air pollution. The AQHI ranges from 1 to 10+, with 1 being the lowest risk and 10+ being the highest risk.
As of June 29, 2023, the AQHI is in the "high" risk range in many parts of Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories. In some areas, the AQHI is in the "very high" risk range.
The smoke from the wildfires is causing high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. PM2.5 is a type of air pollution that can be harmful to human health. It can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, and it can also increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Health officials are advising people to take precautions to protect their health if they are in an area with poor air quality. These precautions include:
- Staying indoors as much as possible
- Closing windows and doors
- Using an air purifier
- Avoiding strenuous activity outdoors
- If you must go outside, wear a mask that can filter out PM2.5
The wildfires are expected to continue for several more weeks, so the poor air quality is likely to persist. Health officials are urging people to stay informed about the air quality in their area and to take precautions to protect their health.
The Impact of Wildfire Smoke on the Atmosphere
In addition to the health risks, wildfire smoke can also have a significant impact on the atmosphere. The smoke can contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere. It can also cause acid rain, which can damage plants and buildings.
Wildfire smoke can also travel long distances, affecting air quality in other countries. For example, the smoke from the wildfires in British Columbia in 2017 reached as far as Alaska and the northeastern United States.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Wildfire Smoke
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce wildfire smoke, including:
- Reducing the amount of fuel available for fires, such as by thinning forests
- Creating firebreaks to help stop the spread of fires
- Using controlled burns to remove fuel from forests
- Investing in early warning systems and rapid response teams
- The Future of Wildfire Smoke
As the climate changes, we can expect to see more wildfires, and the smoke from those fires will likely become more of a problem. This is because warmer temperatures and drier conditions create an environment that is more conducive to wildfires.
We need to take steps to reduce the risk of wildfires and to mitigate the effects of wildfire smoke. By doing so, we can protect our health and our environment.
