How Healthy is the Air in Canada?

Imagine breathing in air so pure that it feels like a reset for your body—clean, crisp, invigorating. Now, imagine the opposite: polluted, heavy, suffocating air that could slowly harm your lungs. Canada is known for its expansive natural beauty, towering forests, and clear lakes, but how healthy is its air really?

The air quality in Canada is often seen as some of the best in the world, but not all regions experience this level of purity. Wildfires, industrial activities, and transportation contribute to varying levels of air pollution across the country. The question we’re asking here is—should you be concerned?

A Glimpse into Recent Air Quality Events

In 2023, Canada faced one of the most severe wildfire seasons in its history, significantly affecting air quality across several provinces, from British Columbia to Quebec. The skies over cities like Vancouver and Toronto turned orange, and millions of Canadians were advised to stay indoors due to hazardous air quality levels.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Despite these events, Canada still maintains an overall good air quality index (AQI) on most days of the year. However, these wildfires bring attention to the vulnerability of air quality even in countries like Canada that are typically considered environmentally pristine.

The Canadian Air Quality Index (AQI): What It Tells Us

The AQI measures five major air pollutants:

1. Ozone (O3)
2. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
3. Carbon monoxide (CO)
4. Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
5. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500, where lower numbers indicate better air quality. On a typical day, most Canadian cities report AQI values well below 50, signifying ‘Good’ air quality. However, during the 2023 wildfire season, some regions recorded AQI levels above 300, categorizing the air as ‘Hazardous.’

Wildfire Season: The Unexpected Culprit

Wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems, but climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of these fires in Canada. In 2023, more than 17 million hectares of forest burned, releasing huge amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere. For weeks, major cities like Calgary and Ottawa faced air quality warnings as PM2.5 levels—tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs—skyrocketed.

A study by the Canadian government revealed that the economic cost of poor air quality, largely from wildfires, reached over $36 billion in health-related expenses. This includes hospitalizations due to respiratory issues, lost productivity from work absences, and long-term health effects like asthma and cardiovascular diseases.

Year	Area Burned (Million Hectares)	Average AQI (during fire season)	Health Costs (Billion CAD)
2017	7.5	45	12
2019	10.1	65	18
2023	17.3	110	36

Industrial Pollution: Still a Concern

While natural events like wildfires grab headlines, industrial activity continues to be a persistent source of pollution. Oil sands extraction in Alberta, one of the most significant contributors, releases large amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which can lead to acid rain and respiratory problems in nearby populations.

Regions with a high concentration of industries, like Sarnia in Ontario—often referred to as “Chemical Valley”—have reported significantly higher rates of air pollution. Sarnia has been at the center of air quality controversies due to its proximity to more than 60 petrochemical facilities. In 2022, studies showed that residents in this area were exposed to NO2 levels nearly twice the national average.

Transportation and Urban Centers

Canada’s vast geography means that transportation plays a crucial role in air quality. In urban centers like Toronto and Montreal, emissions from vehicles contribute to increased levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Public transit and cycling initiatives have helped reduce these levels, but heavy reliance on cars continues to be a challenge.

A 2021 study in Montreal found that air pollution from traffic caused about 1,200 premature deaths annually in the city, costing over $1.5 billion in healthcare expenses.

The North: Clean, but for How Long?

The northern regions of Canada, particularly in the territories of Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories, experience some of the cleanest air on the planet. With low population density and minimal industrial activity, the AQI in these areas often stays between 5 and 15, signifying excellent air quality. However, even these areas aren’t immune to the effects of wildfires and climate change. As warmer temperatures shift north, there’s concern that the pristine air could degrade.

Long-Term Health Effects: Should You Worry?

Air pollution is a silent threat. While short-term exposure to poor air quality can lead to coughing, irritation, and respiratory issues, long-term exposure has far more severe consequences. Studies show that chronic exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 and NO2 increases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and even cognitive decline.

Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable. In 2020, the Canadian Public Health Association reported that about 14,000 premature deaths annually in Canada are linked to air pollution. This figure includes deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases exacerbated by long-term exposure to polluted air.

What’s Being Done?

Canada has made strides in improving air quality through both federal and provincial initiatives. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a tool that provides real-time information to the public about air quality and its associated health risks. This index helps people make informed decisions about outdoor activities, particularly during high-risk periods like wildfire season.

At a policy level, Canada’s Air Quality Management System (AQMS), launched in 2012, provides a collaborative framework between provinces and the federal government to address air quality issues. This includes setting limits on emissions for major pollutants, monitoring air quality, and creating action plans for regions that exceed pollution thresholds.

The federal government has also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, which would reduce pollutants from transportation, industry, and energy production.

What You Can Do

While governmental policies play a huge role, individual actions can also contribute to improving air quality. Simple steps like reducing car trips, opting for public transport or biking, and conserving energy can make a difference. For those living in areas with frequent air quality warnings, investing in home air purifiers and wearing masks during high-pollution days can protect against harmful effects.

Conclusion: The Air You Breathe Matters

Canada’s air quality is generally good, but it’s not immune to challenges, especially in light of increasing wildfire activity and ongoing industrial emissions. While regions like the North enjoy some of the cleanest air on Earth, urban centers and industrial hubs continue to face issues that can have long-term health consequences. It’s crucial to stay informed about air quality in your area and take appropriate precautions during high-pollution periods. The air you breathe directly impacts your health—so breathe wisely.