With a changing climate, wildfire seasons are expected to become longer and more intense, leading to more frequent and possibly prolonged wildfire smoke events in many Canadian communities. The contribution of wildfire smoke to overall air pollution in Canada is expected to grow, particularly as contributions from other sources decline due to successful air quality management policies and initiatives.
In recent years, many government organizations have developed public health guidance and messaging related to wildfire smoke, including personal interventions and actions people can take to maintain a healthy indoor environment. However, until recently, there has been a lack of data regarding the conditions of various indoor environments during episodes of poor air quality. Similarly, there is lack of data regarding whether people will make recommended behavioural changes during episodes of poor air quality.
Recent studies in the Greater Vancouver area have shown that cleaner air spaces (e.g., libraries, community centres and neighbourhood houses), child care facilities and long term care facilities may not consistently provide a safe indoor air environment during episodes of poor air quality. This highlights the need to better understand how to maintain a clean indoor air environment during episodes of poor ambient air quality. As poor air quality events due to wildfire smoke are expected to increase, it is also important to understand the effectiveness of commonly prescribed interventions for poor ambient air quality.
The 2024 Air Quality and Health Workshop will explore the effectiveness of the most commonly prescribed public health interventions to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, with a focus on indoor air quality.
2024 AQHW PRESENTATIONS:
Check out video playlist here.
2024 AQHW SLIDE PRESENTATIONS:
The Changing Wildfire Season in Canada - Dr. Piyush Jain
The Changing Contribution of Wildfire Smoke to Air Pollution in Canada - Dan McLennan
Health Impacts of Indoor Air Pollution - Dr. Elizabeth Matsui
Interventions to Reduce Exposure to Poor Air Quality - Robyn Traynor
Behavioural Responses to Air Quality Information - Patrick Bayliss
HEPA Filter Air Cleaners: Band-Aid or Long-Term Solution? - Dr. Ryan Allen
WORKSHOP ARCHIVES