麻豆影视

Skip to main content

Study warns that the number of air quality alerts in the U.S. will quadruple by 2100

A woman looks out at the St. Lawrence River on Friday, June 30, 2023 in LaSalle, Que. Canadian forest fires throughout 2023 caused poor air quality in Ontario and Quebec, as well as U.S. cities like Chicago, Detroit and New York City. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi) A woman looks out at the St. Lawrence River on Friday, June 30, 2023 in LaSalle, Que. Canadian forest fires throughout 2023 caused poor air quality in Ontario and Quebec, as well as U.S. cities like Chicago, Detroit and New York City. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi)
Share

After a summer of raging wildfires that affected the air quality of multiple communities in North America, headed by researchers from the University of Waterloo suggests that climate change will quadruple the number of air quality alerts in the U.S. by the year 2100.

Researchers from Canada and the U.S. found that in about 75 years, people would need to stay indoors for 142 extra days per year in order to avoid additional health risks from intensifying air pollution.

The increase in air quality alerts, which occur when the Air Quality Index (AQI) gets too high, will be greatest in the eastern half of the U.S., with people experiencing homelessness or those in homes that allow polluted air in not getting adequate health protections.

Dr. Rebecca Saari, senior author of the study and associate professor in the department of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Waterloo, said this will disproportionately affect areas with high Black populations and leakier homes, widening existing inequalities and impacting those less able to adapt.

"Air pollution disproportionately impacts vulnerable people in the U.S.,鈥 .

 Staying indoors for an additional 20 extra weeks per year would cost a person an average of $5,600, based on the cost of their lost outdoor time and the benefit of reduced health risks, the study notes. It suggests this is neither desirable nor realistic.

The researchers conclude that relying on individuals to take the necessary steps to adapt will likely be ineffective without policy measures to increase adherence to safety measures. This includes reducing costs for those trying to stay inside, taking the initiative to repair air leaks or improve the air quality of buildings, as well as providing help for those who live or work outdoors to adapt.

"The prevailing advice (of staying indoors) helps the most if people can live and work in buildings with clean indoor air. It is unlikely to protect against the rising risks of climate change without additional policy," Saari said.

Canada saw a major decline in air quality in 2023, largely due to the wildfires which occurred in several provinces and territories throughout the spring and summer. The smoke produced from these wildfires reached Canadians in every province and territory and even spread south of the border, affecting much of the northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S.

Drifting smoke from the Alberta wildfires created clouds of haze and triggered air quality alerts in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as major U.S. cities like Chicago and Detroit. At one point in early June 2023, Quebec's wildfires led to New York City topping the list of the world's worst air pollution.

At several points through last June and July, a number of Canadian cities, including , and  had some of the worst air quality on the planet. On June 7, National Clean Air Day, Canada had the poorest air quality of any country in the world.

Canada would end up producing nearly a quarter of the global wildfire emissions in 2023, according to the environmental observation department of the European Union's Space program.

Saari said policymakers must ensure that greenhouse gas emissions that cause air pollution and climate change are addressed.

鈥淩educing emissions would be the most effective way to mitigate an increasing, unfair burden of air pollution as the climate changes," she added. "In order to protect our health equitably from air pollution, we need both mitigation and adaptation."

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

Local Spotlight

For the second year in a row, the 鈥楪ift-a-Family鈥 campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts 鈥 not for themselves, but for those in need.

A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.