Air quality and health research

We are committed to understanding and reducing the health impacts of air pollution on communities across the country. Through various research initiatives, we aim to:

• address emerging air quality issues
• improve data on air pollution exposure
• understand the health impacts of different pollutants

Examples of current research

Understanding the Impacts of Wildfire Smoke and Heat Exposure in Older Adults Living in Canada: The CARTaGENE Air Pollution Study

The CARTaGENE Air Pollution Study (CAPS) aims to understand how air pollution and heat affect older adults. With the rise in wildfires across Canada, this study will provide crucial insights into: 

• how smoke and heat impact health
• ways that individual actions, housing characteristics and neighborhood environments can reduce these impacts

CAPS is monitoring air quality and temperature in the homes of 500 older adults. Participants will record their symptoms and behaviour following days when Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an air quality alert. Researchers will use these data to examine the health effects of heat and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) from wildfire and other sources, focusing on both short- and long-term impacts.

Findings will help Health Canada protect the health of all people in Canada, including older adults, from the effects of heat and wildfire smoke by providing new data to support effective health policies and guidance.

The Greater Toronto Hamilton Area Transportation Strategy

The Greater Toronto Hamilton Area Transportation Strategy aims to better understand the impact of intensive transportation activities on local air quality.

The 3 research studies are:

1. Trainyard Neighbourhood Air Quality Study (TyNAQ): This study investigates local air quality and noise levels near a train yard in east Toronto.
2. Characterization of Aviation-Sourced Air Pollution (CASAP): This study investigates local air quality near the Pearson International Airport.
3. Transportation Hub Neighbourhood Air Quality Study (THNAQ): This study investigates community air quality and noise levels before and after a new truck-to-rail hub begins operating near Milton, ON.

Data and results from this research strategy will help guide:

• land use planning
• health risk assessments
• transportation network planning
• actions to reduce the health risks of air pollution from the transportation sector
• strategies to protect people living near intensive transportation infrastructure from the health effects of air pollutants

Learn more about the study.

Contact us

For more information, contact the Air Quality Program.

Related links

• Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health
• Does traffic take your breath away?
• Outdoor air pollution and health: Overview
• Air pollution: what are diesel and gasoline exhaust?
• Health impacts of air pollution in Canada, 2024 report
• Protecting your indoor air
• Healthy Schools Day 2019: School buses and diesel exhaust
• Human Health Risk Assessment for Diesel Exhaust – Summary
• Traffic-Related Air Pollution: Asthma, Allergies, and Lung Function
• Health impacts of Air Pollution from Transportation, Industry, and Residential Sources in Canada Report