Effectiveness of masks to reduce exposure and health impacts of wildfire smoke, combined heat-wildfire smoke events, and other pollutants associated with wildfires

Jun 7, 2024

Programs: Evidence syntheses

Wildfires pose a significant public health risk in Canada due to their impacts on physical health, mental health and well-being. This rapid evidence profile builds on previous work and examines the effectiveness of masks and respirators at reducing exposure and health impacts due to wildfire smoke, combined heat-wildfire smoke events, and other pollutants associated with wildfires.

Related Projects

Examining the effectiveness of public health interventions to address wildfire smoke, heat and pollutants

Jul 28, 2023

Programs: Evidence syntheses

Wildfires are increasing in size and frequency worldwide, due in part to hotter and drier conditions caused by global climate change. In addition to the destruction of property and risk of injury from exposure to fire, wildfire smoke contains components known to be harmful to human health, including carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter, and other hazardous air pollutants. The issue is particularly complex as wildfire smoke can significantly impact the air quality and introduce dangerous pollutants in areas far from where wildfires are taking place. This rapid evidence profile addresses the question "What is the evidence for the effectiveness and potential unintended consequences of public health interventions that can be used to reduce the direct and indirect health impacts of exposure to wildfires, including wildfire smoke, combined heat-smoke events, and other pollutants associated with wildfires? "

Examining the health and social impacts of evacuations and interventions that can help to mitigate their effects

Jul 22, 2024

Programs: Evidence syntheses

In 2023, Canadians witnessed a significant number of climate-related events, which resulted in an estimated 230,000 people evacuated due to wildfires alone. The burden of these and other evacuations is not evenly distributed throughout the Canadian population, with Northern and remote communities, including First Nations and other Indigenous communities, being more likely to be evacuated than southern urban communities. While evacuations are needed to protect people from immediate physical harm, they also risk additional harm, including physical and mental health concerns and challenges in maintaining community and social well-being. This rapid evidence profile examines the health and social effects of evacuations, how they vary by population and context, and what interventions are available to mitigate the public health and social impacts of evacuations.

Site search

Effectiveness of masks to reduce exposure and health impacts of wildfire smoke, combined heat-wildfire smoke events, and other pollutants associated with wildfires