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4mo ago

2023 Canadian Wildfires Drove Asthma Surges, Highlighting Need for Air Quality Standards

A new study confirms sharp increases in asthma emergency visits during early smoke waves, while adaptive measures mitigated later impacts.

Smoke from wildfires burning across both Ontario and Quebec blanket the skyline in Kingston, Ont., Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

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.