Air quality has a significant impact on our health in the long and short term. Children are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution because their immune systems are less developed, they breathe in more air, have faster breathing rates than adults and they tend to breathe through their mouths which by-passes the natural filtering system of their nose. Children with existing health conditions (e.g., lung or heart conditions, diabetes) can be at greater risk. Poor air quality can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and can also cause breathing difficulties. In Simcoe Muskoka, air quality has improved; however it remains a concern and more can be done to reduce air pollution to make the air healthier for everyone. Wildfire smoke is a significant contributor to poor air quality. Wildfire smoke events are happening more frequently and for longer periods of time due to climate change.
For more information about wildfire smoke and health, visit www.smdhu.org/wildfiresmoke.
Environment and Climate Change Canada and The Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change can jointly issue two air quality alerts: Special Air Quality Statements (SAQS) or Smog and Air Health Advisories (SAHA) when air quality is poor. More information about Air Quality Alerts can be found here.
School communities can take actions to protect children and staff by understanding how air pollution affects health and by taking action to reduce exposure to air pollution and improving air quality in our communities.
Schools can take action to promote clean air by taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants and improve air quality (also known as climate change mitigation strategies). Examples include:
- Promoting active school travel. See Simcoe Muskoka On the Move for more resources
- Planting trees and other vegetation on school property
- Designating Idle-Free school zones
Maintaining awareness of health risks of air pollution and local air quality is important to take steps to protect health.