Climate Change and Health

Outdoor Air Quality and Health

Good outdoor air quality supports a healthy way of life.

In the NWT, outdoor air quality is generally very good, but like the weather, it can change very quickly. From traffic pollution to forest fire or wildfire smoke, air pollution has an impact on human health.

About outdoor air pollution

Outdoor air pollution comes from a variety of sources, and even at low levels, can have an impact on human health.

For more information about monitoring and the development of a regulatory framework for air quality in the Northwest Territories visit: Monitoring air quality in the Northwest Territories.

For more information wildland fire weather and smoke, smoke forecasts and fire information visit: https://firesmoke.ca/

Wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles.

It is a unique form of air pollution because it can contain very high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which penetrates deeper into the lungs than other pollutants.

Wildfire smoke also contains other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

In the NWT, wildfire smoke is especially important because fires are frequent during the summer months and smoke can travel long distances, affecting communities far from the fire itself. Wildfire smoke events can last for days or weeks and are often the main cause of poor air quality in the NWT.

Health effects of poor outdoor air quality

Poor outdoor air quality events can lead to disease, increased hospitalizations, and premature death. Many air pollutants can penetrate deep into our lungs and affect our health.

Common and mild symptoms include:

  • irritated or watery eyes
  • headache
  • coughing or sore throat
  • runny nose

In most cases, these symptoms do not require medical attention. Moving to a cleaner air space can help resolve them. For more information on cleaner and cooler air spaces visit Cleaner and cooler air spaces.

Moderate to severe symptoms can include:

  • dizziness
  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath
  • asthma attacks
  • severe cough
  • wheezing
  • heart palpitations (irregular heartbeat)

If you experience severe symptoms, call 8-1-1 or visit your local health centre.

Consistent, long-term exposure to poor air quality can lead to:

  • stroke
  • heart attack
  • premature death
  • reproductive and developmental effects, such as low birth weight

If you are having a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1 or visit your local emergency room or health centre.

Who is at higher risk of health effects

Poor outdoor air quality can affect anyone, but some groups are at a higher risk of health effects:

  • seniors and elders
  • pregnant people
  • infants and young children
  • people who work outdoors
  • people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise
  • people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity
  • people with an existing illness or chronic health conditions, such as:
    • cancer
    • diabetes
    • mental illness
    • lung or heart conditions

Before a poor outdoor air quality event

Follow these steps to prepare for a poor outdoor air quality event:

  • Download the WeatherCAN app and sign up for air quality alerts to monitor your local Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
  • If you have a health condition, make sure you have enough supply of your medications (e.g. asthma inhalers) before the summer begins
  • Speak to your health care provider for more information about how poor air quality might affect your health
  • Prepare your home by checking that windows and doors are properly sealed
  • Identify cleaner air spaces in your community that you can access during a poor air quality event

During a poor air quality event

Follow these steps to reduce your risk of health effects of a poor outdoor air quality event:

  • Check the AQHI regularly and adjust your outdoors activities as needed
  • Close windows and doors to protect your indoor air quality
  • Spend as much time as possible indoors in a cleaner air space, especially if you are at higher risk
  • Avoid or limit strenuous outdoor activities
  • If you need to be outdoors, consider wearing a face mask
  • Drink lots of water
  • Monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if needed

Additional resources: