Clean Air Day in Canada

About Clean Air Day

Celebrate Clean Air Day on June 8, 2022! Let’s recognize how important good air quality is to our health, our environment, and the economy. This year we focus on air quality and health in a changing climate.

As the climate warms, air pollution is expected to worsen through increased number and severity of extreme weather events such as wildfires and floods. Some air pollutants, such as car emissions, contribute to climate change. But there’s good news! The latest air pollutant emissions report shows an overall steady decline in air pollutant emissions since 1990. As well, we can all take actions to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change.

For example:

• plant trees to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions
• compost and reduce waste
• eat a more plant-based diet
• drive an electric car or take alternative forms of transportation, such as taking the train instead of flying
• take public transit or choose active transportation, such as biking or walking, when possible. Choose routes furthest away from high traffic areas to reduce your exposure to air pollution
• reduce emissions and improve indoor air quality by limiting your use of any combustion sources, such as incense and wood stoves
• read labels and follow all instructions for safety, usage, proper ventilation, and disposal when using household chemical products

Celebrate Clean Air Day

Celebrate Clean Air Day on social media, join a local event or plan your own with the following resources.

Watch

Did you know?

• In 1999, Canada declared Clean Air Day an annual celebration during Canadian Environment Week.
• Canada’s air quality is consistently ranked among the cleanest in the world, according to the World Health Organization. This is largely due to federal, provincial and territorial governments working together to reduce air pollution from vehicles, power plants, and industries across the country.
• Today, air pollution is a leading environmental cause of death and illness in Canada, resulting in an estimated 15,300 deaths a year, with an economic value of $120 billion annually.
• In addition to providing shade from the sun, trees also release large amounts of moisture. This helps cool and cleanse the atmosphere.
• We must take climate action now to avoid the health impacts of air pollution that are expected to worsen in the future due to climate change.
• Emissions from wildfires represent one of the most significant climate-related risks to air quality in Canada.
• Climate change can affect indoor air quality when outdoor pollutants and allergens enter our homes. Extreme weather events such as floods can cause mould growth in buildings.
• Air fresheners don’t clean the air. They mask odours with another scent that may contain chemicals that can cause irritation or health issues.