Overview
- The Canadian Medical Association Journal study analyzed Ontario emergency department visits during the 2023 wildfire season, covering 95% of the province's population.
- Asthma-related emergency visits rose by 11%–24% during the first smoke wave in June 2023, linked to Quebec’s record-breaking wildfire.
- No significant increase in asthma visits occurred during a second smoke wave in July 2023, attributed to preventive medications and behavioral adaptations like staying indoors and using air filters.
- Researchers emphasize that wildfire smoke has greater acute respiratory health impacts than other air pollution sources and urge indoor air quality standards.
- The study underscores the escalating health risks of climate-driven wildfires, calling for further research and coordinated mitigation strategies.