Particulate Matter and Air Quality During Wildfires: A New Challenge for Canadian Cities
Julie Holt
5/8/20244 min read
In 2015, the Lancet aptly declared that "tackling climate change could be the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century." Last month, our blog focused on re-framing climate change as a health issue. This month, we focus on a very real risk of our changing climate: wildfires.
Increasing Wildfire Incidence
Wildfires have become an increasingly common occurrence in recent years, posing significant challenges for communities across the globe. While regions like California have long monitored the impact of wildfires on air quality, Canadian cities are now facing similar challenges. The presence of particulate matter in the air during wildfires can have serious implications for our health and the environment.
British Columbia historically experiences the most wildfires in Canada, but climate change has heightened and expanded this issue beyond the West Coast. The 2017 and 2018 seasons were devastating for the West Coast, and Alberta continues to see significant wildfire activity, with 31 active fires currently burning within its forests.
The Fort McMurray Wildfire
Many will remember the Fort McMurray wildfire in 2016, one of the most devastating fires in Canadian history, burning roughly 1.5 million acres and requiring the evacuation of over 80,000 residents. A study from the University of Alberta has shown that respiratory issues plagued emergency workers deployed to respond to the fire zones. The study indicated compromised airway function in the first three months after deployment. Although it did not examine long-term effects, other studies suggest that exposure to high levels of particulate matter can cause lasting lung damage.
Impact Beyond Fire Zones
It is logical that responders would experience exposure and health effects, but what about those outside active fire zones? Significant fires in Ontario and Quebec have highlighted this issue. Large-scale evacuations were prompted by major fires in Northwestern Ontario in 2021, and in 2023, fires caused haze that extended as far as Toronto and even reached New York in the US. While exposure to smoke haze is not the same as directly responding to a fire, concerns about air quality and lung health are very real and no longer confined to residents of historical fire risk areas.
The Impact of Wildfires on Air Quality
How is the air we breathe impacted by wildfires? During wildfires, the combustion of vegetation and other organic matter releases a complex mixture of gases and particles into the atmosphere. These particles can travel long distances, affecting air quality far from the fire itself. The severity of the impact depends on various factors, including the size and intensity of the fire, wind patterns, and regional topography. Wildfires release a substantial amount of particulate matter into the air, specifically fine particles known as PM2.5 and PM10. PM2.5 refers to particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, while PM10 includes particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller. These fine particles are small enough to be inhaled into the respiratory system, causing a range of health issues.
The Health Effects of Particulate Matter
Short-term exposure can cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are particularly vulnerable to these effects.
Long-term exposure to particulate matter has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as premature death. The fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and damage.
Air Quality Monitoring in Canadian Cities
While Canadian cities have traditionally focused on monitoring pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone, the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires have prompted a shift in priorities. Cities are now investing in air quality monitoring systems to track the levels of particulate matter. To see air quality in your local area, check out IQ Air or consider getting your own air quality monitor with Purple Air. You can also monitor air quality on your phone to stay informed.
Protecting Public Health During Wildfires
During wildfire events, take steps to minimize your exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) and protect your health. Here are some recommended tips:
Stay indoors as much as possible, keeping windows and doors closed to prevent the entry of smoke.
Use air purifiers or filters to improve indoor air quality.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially in areas with high levels of smoke.
Wear masks or respirators specifically designed to filter out fine particles.
Follow local authorities' guidelines and evacuation orders, if necessary.
Vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions should take extra precautions during wildfire events. It is important to stay informed about air quality updates and follow the advice of healthcare professionals.
Addressing the Root Causes
While monitoring and mitigating the immediate effects of wildfires on air quality are essential, addressing the root causes of these fires is equally important. Climate change, forest management practices, and human activities all contribute to the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires.
Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources can help mitigate climate change, which in turn can reduce the risk of wildfires. Additionally, implementing effective forest management strategies, such as prescribed burns and fuel reduction, can help prevent the buildup of flammable materials and decrease the likelihood of uncontrolled wildfires.
As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat to communities worldwide, Canadian cities are now grappling with the challenges of maintaining air quality during these events. The presence of particulate matter in the air can have serious implications for public health, necessitating the implementation of advanced monitoring systems and public awareness campaigns. By taking proactive measures to protect air quality and address the root causes of wildfires, Canadian cities can better safeguard the well-being of their residents.
References and Additional Links
Short-Term Acute Exposure to Wildfire Smoke and Lung Function among Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Officers https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/22/11787
Massive wildfire in Fort McMurray prompts largest fire evacuation
Global News. https://web.archive.org/web/20210314161724/https://globalnews.ca/video/2679286/massive-wildfire-in-fort-mcmurray-prompts-largest-evacuation-in-alberta-historyFort McMurray fire grows to 505,000 hectares as it crosses into SaskatchewanEdmonton Journal https://web.archive.org/web/20160519154803/http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/fort-mcmurray-fire-crosses-into-saskatchewan-and-continues-to-grow#
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