Health Canada

Fine Particulate Matter (also known as PM2.5) are particles in the air that measure less than 2.5 micrometers (μm) in diameter, and typically consists of a mix of things like smoke, soot, liquid or solid particles in aerosol, or biological matter like mould, bacteria, pollen and animal dander....

When outdoor air quality is poor, Health Canada recommends that individuals, particularly children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions remain indoors as much as possible. Ensuring good indoor air quality is especially important during periods of poor outdoor air quality.

In Canada, wildfire season occurs between April and October each year and can coincide with periods of extreme heat. It is important to know how to protect your health when experiencing wildfire smoke and extreme heat together.

Those who are at higher risk of the health effects from wildfire smoke will benefit the most from using an air purifier, also known as a portable air cleaner

Learn how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

If you live in an area at higher risk for wildfires, it's best to be prepared. You can develop plans and take actions to protect yourself and your family before wildfire season starts.

Resurfacers and edgers used to maintain the ice surface in these arenas are typically powered by internal combustion engines, which emit air pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), both of which are associated with adverse health effects. Recommendations for reducing...

Traffic is a major source of air pollution especially in urban areas. Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is a mixture of pollutants from vehicle exhaust, tire and brake wear, other particles such as road dust, and evaporation of fuels from engine components.

Health Canada assesses the health risks posed by specific indoor pollutants in residential environments and provides recommendations on how to reduce those risks. Residential Indoor Air Quality Guidelines (RIAQG) summarize the known health effects, pollutant sources, and exposure levels in...

A large body of scientific evidence has accumulated over the past 25 years attributing a wide range of adverse health effects to ambient (outdoor) air pollution exposure. These effects range in severity from respiratory symptoms to the development of disease and premature death.

The objective of this risk assessment is to evaluate the association of cancer with TRAP exposure in order to inform and support programs and policies designed to mitigate exposure to, and health impacts of, TRAP in Canada. TRAP best represents the real-world pollutant mixture that many Canadians...

Urban rail rapid transit systems are a staple of public transit. They provide access to employment and social services, decrease private vehicle use, and promote physical activity. This document provides guidance to public transit authorities and their municipal and provincial partners on options...

Canadians spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. While the first step to ensure good indoor air quality (IAQ) is to reduce indoor sources of pollution, ventilation is also an essential strategy. Proper ventilation reduces pollutant and moisture levels that may directly or indirectly...

Outdoor air pollution comes from a variety of sources, and even at low levels, has an impact on human health. It leads to disease, increased hospitalizations and even premature death.

Health effects from air pollution can depend on the source.

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of health effects from air pollution.

Traffic is a major source of air pollution especially in urban areas. Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is a mixture of gases and particles that include many different chemicals from cars, buses and trucks. TRAP includes emissions from exhaust, evaporation of fuel, and tire and brake wear.

Health Canada completed the Human Health Risk Assessment for Diesel Exhaust, a comprehensive review and analysis of the potential adverse health effects associated with diesel fuel use in Canada. The report focuses on diesel exhaust (DE) emissions from on-road and off-road vehicles (excluding...

Health Canada completed the Human Health Risk Assessment for Gasoline Exhaust, a comprehensive review and analysis of the potential adverse health effects associated with gasoline fuel use in Canada. The report focuses on gasoline exhaust (GE) and vehicle emissions from on-road and off-road...

The general approach employed is as comprehensive as the available information allows and is comparative in nature, i.e., the impacts of biodiesel blends are compared to those of conventional ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) and presented as relative risks and benefits. The primary consideration...