Wildfire Smoke: A Growing Threat to Edmonton

The Invisible Danger

Wildfire smoke, filled with tiny particulate matter (PM2.5 - particles one-fourth the size of dust), poses a significant health risk to residents of the Edmonton region. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory problems, heart issues, and long-term health complications. With the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, the Edmonton region is facing a growing threat to its air quality and the health of its citizens.

 

A City Under Siege 

Edmonton and surrounding municipalities have experienced a dramatic increase in smoke-filled days in recent years. 2023 saw a record-breaking number of smoke hours, with a 30% increase over any other year. This prolonged exposure to poor air quality has far-reaching consequences for individuals and for the community as a whole. 

Health Impacts 

  • Respiratory Issues: Wildfire smoke is linked to asthma, COPD, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases. 

  • Heart Problems: Exposure to PM2.5 can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

  • Vulnerable Populations: Children, seniors, outdoor workers, the unhoused, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are particularly at risk. For example, wildfire PM2.5 is about 10X more harmful to the respiratory health of children under five than ambient PM2.5, that is, fine particles related to pollution. 

  • Long-Term Effects: The long-term health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure are still being studied, but early research suggests potential links to chronic diseases. 

Economic and Social Costs 

Beyond health concerns, wildfire smoke has significant economic and social implications: 

  • Lost Productivity: Smoke-filled days can force businesses and schools to close, resulting in lost productivity and revenue. Each day of smoke exposure annually correlates with a 0.07% reduction in labour income for that year. 

  • Healthcare Costs: Increased hospitalizations and emergency room visits due to smoke-related illnesses place a strain on the healthcare system. In 2023 in Ontario, the health costs of fires reached $1.28B in one week.

  • Evacuations and Displacement: Wildfires can lead to evacuations, causing disruption and financial hardship for affected residents. In 2016, approximately 53,000 people evacuated Fort MacMurray; 22,000 of them arrived in Edmonton. 

  • Air Quality Inequality: Lower-income communities often bear a disproportionate burden of air pollution, exacerbating existing health disparities. 



Building a Resilient Future 

To protect the health and well-being of Edmonton residents, we must take proactive steps to address the challenges posed by wildfire smoke: 

  • Improved Air Quality Monitoring: Invest in advanced air quality monitoring systems to provide real-time information to the public.

  • Improve Building Infrastructure:  Ensure public buildings have proper ventilation and air filtration systems, and monitor air quality inside and outside of buildings. Adequate HVAC systems can significantly reduce indoor smoke levels, allowing public buildings to serve as a cleaner air refuge for community members.

  • Public Health Initiatives: Implement public health campaigns to educate residents about the risks of wildfire smoke and how to protect themselves. 

  • Support for Vulnerable Populations: Provide resources and support to vulnerable populations, such as seniors, children, outdoor workers, and low-income communities. 

  • Climate Change Mitigation: Address the root causes of wildfires by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing forest management practices to address the root causes of wildfires. 

  • Economic Diversification: Explore opportunities to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on industries vulnerable to wildfire disruptions. 

By working together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable Edmonton region that is better prepared to face the challenges of a changing climate.



Shaylynn Wong