‘In death and in debt’: how we pay for fossil fuels with our health
Climate change is exacerbating respiratory conditions like asthma in Canada, with over five million Canadians living with such conditions and facing increased health risks due to worsening wildfire seasons. Air pollution from wildfires and other sources is linked to various health issues, including heart disease, strokes, and premature deaths.
Chelsea Mazur, a Winnipeg resident, experienced worsening asthma symptoms during Manitoba's wildfires and heat wave last summer. Her condition was triggered by smoky air pulled into her apartment by her air conditioner, forcing her to use her inhaler more frequently. Over five million Canadians live with respiratory conditions, and research shows that smoke days led to a 23.6% increase in asthma-related hospital visits in Ontario in 2023. Air pollution from wildfires carries toxic gases and fine particulate matter, contributing to heart disease, strokes, and cancer. In Canada, air pollution is linked to approximately 17,400 premature deaths annually.
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