Cleansing
the Air, for Life.
Outdoor Air Quality Health
Outdoor air pollution is a complex mixture of substances that come from a variety of different sources [4]. It can affect Indigenous populations living in urban settings as well as those that live on reserve [3]. Indigenous communities may also still experience air pollution as a result of pollution that originated from cities or industries in more southern regions, for example [3]. Many First Nations are also situated in close proximity to industrial plants, which increases their exposure to air pollutants and smog [3]. Additionally, northern and remote Indigenous communities may be at increased risk of exposure to wildfire smoke given their close proximity to forests [6].
Outdoor air pollutants can have serious consequences for human health, in particular respiratory health [4].
Types of outdoor air pollution [4].
Traffic-related air pollution
Living near high traffic roadways increases your risk of exposure to traffic related air pollution [4]. Among those residing near high traffic areas, many are marginalized and vulnerable populations, such as Indigenous Peoples, who are often at greater risk of experiencing illness from air pollution [3].
It’s estimated that every year in Canada, traffic-related air pollution leads to approximately 1,200 premature deaths and approximately 2.7 million acute respiratory symptom days [4].
Whenever possible, try to carpool, ride your bike or walk instead of driving.
Wildfire smoke-related air pollution
Wildfires are a significant source of air pollution in Canada [6]. On top of damaging ecosystems and harming wildlife, they drastically increase the amount of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air, which poses severe threats to human health [4]. Even low levels of smoke exposure can have adverse effects on health [4].
To reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke, stay up to date on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in your region. If the health risk is rated high, try to limit outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed, drink water and use a ventilation system.
Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a health protection tool that measures air quality relative to your health on a scale from 1 to 10. The higher the number, the greater the health risk associated with the air quality. If the air pollution is very high, the number will be reported at 10+.
Wildfire Facts
It’s estimated that air pollution from wildfire smoke has contributed up to several thousand premature deaths a year in Canada [4].
The annual cost of health impacts as a result of wildfire smoke-related air pollution is Canada is between $5 billion to $21 billion dollars [4].
Wildfire smoke can travel long distances and affect communities up to 1000 km away [6].
