Asthma-related emergency room visits substantially increased across Ontario during the 2023 wildfires in Canada, a new study says.
A report released by the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) on May 5 noted that hospital visits for asthma spiked during the first wave of wildfire smoke in early June 2023. The number of visits reduced during the second episode at the end of the month.
The report noted that preemptive measures may not have been taken before the first wave, but people were more prepared by the time the second smoke episode emerged. It is likely that there was an increased supply and use of medications, as well as improved measures to minimize smoke exposure, including staying inside and using air filters, the report said….