Today’s Air Quality

Wildfire smoke, air quality and health

Wildfire smoke can be a major source of air pollution. Wildfire smoke can be carried hundreds or thousands of kilometres from the fire. Air quality due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour. To be prepared for changing air quality conditions, it is important to monitor the local forecast and regularly check the Air Quality Health Index (external link) for your area.

There are precautions that can be taken to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, these include:

• Limiting outdoor activities and strenuous physical activities
• Looking for breaks in the smoke to find opportunities to go outdoors
• Setting HVAC systems to recirculation mode when the outdoor air quality is poor, and bringing in fresh air when the outdoor air has improved

For more information on wildfire smoke and your health visit Health Canada’s Wildfire smoke 101: Wildfire smoke and your health (external link) and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health (external link).