Smoke 101: An intro to a new summer reality
Posted June 30, 2023 5:10 am.
In today’s Big Story Podcast, this year marks the worst wildfire season in Canada’s recorded history. Across the country, fires have started early, burned larger and for longer. Cities across the country have issued air quality warnings, and public health has asked people to stay inside.
Dr. Courtney Howard is an emergency physician and the vice-chair of the Global Climate and Health Alliance.
“We have very few studies looking at the long-term effects of wildfire smoke, which makes it a little bit difficult for all of us to make decisions,” said Dr. Howard.
So what exactly makes wildfire smoke harmful to breathe? And what about the mental health impact of hazy skies and a darkened future?
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