Asthma ER Visits Spike in Canada’s 2023 Wildfires

A series of studies published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that asthma-related emergency room visits in Ontario surged by up to 24% during the first major wave of wildfire smoke in June 2023, the most destructive wildfire season on record in Canada. The initial smoke event brought some of the world's worst air quality to Ontario, leading to a sharp increase in respiratory distress, especially among asthma sufferers. By the time a second smoke wave occurred later in the summer, ER visits had returned to normal, which researchers attribute to increased public awareness and adaptive behaviors such as staying indoors, wearing masks, using air purifiers, and taking preventive medications. The studies highlight that wildfire smoke can worsen not only asthma but also other chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Experts emphasize the urgent need for robust public health messaging and the establishment of indoor air quality standards as wildfires intensify due to climate change. The findings serve as a call to action for Canadians and policymakers to better prepare for future smoke events.