Clean Air Day in Canada

Clearing the air: addressing climate change, air quality and mental health – June 8, 2022
Join us live on Facebook to hear experts from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada discuss climate change, air quality and mental health.
- English session: 4-4:45 pm EDT
- French session: 3-3:45 pm EDT
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.
Events across Canada
Social media and graphic resources
Watch
Learn
Canada’s air quality
Learn about Canada’s air quality and how the effects of climate change affect it.
Health impacts from air pollution
Learn about the effects of air pollution on your health and how to protect yourself.
Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health
As wildfire burns through forests and grasslands, it produces dense smoke that can be a major source of air pollutants.
Air Quality Health Index
The Air Quality Health Index or "AQHI" is a scale designed to help you understand what the air quality around you means to your health.
Improve indoor air quality
Find out how you can make the air inside your home safer to breathe.
Government of Canada actions to reduce air pollution
Find out how we’re keeping the air clean through research, regulations, investments and international agreements.
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.
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