Fire situation eases slightly, but risks remain as more than 400 wildfires still burn

Canadians should be on alert for more bad air quality days ahead this summer as wildfires continue to burn out of control in most provinces, national public health officials warned Monday.

Canadians should be on alert for more bad air quality days ahead this summer as wildfires continue to burn out of control in most provinces, national public health officials warned Monday.

They say Canada needs to revisit the data it collects on health risks from wildfires.

They also say Ottawa should review the contents of its emergency stockpile to make sure it is prepared for the risks not only of future pandemics but of other health risks, including from a growing risk of climate change-related disasters.

This spring's unprecedented wildfire season has led to multiple air quality warnings in many of Canada's most populated areas.

The smoky haze that stings the eyes and makes it hard to take a deep breath can have serious health implications both immediately and through prolonged or repeated exposures, said Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam.

She said smoke contains microscopic particles not visible to the human eye, and those particles pose the greatest risk to human and animal health.

They can cause asthma attacks, compounding breathing problems for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and potentially leading to bronchitis and pneumonia.