TORONTO - The poor air quality that has blanketed swaths of central and Western Canada is not only infiltrating the lungs, but also distressing the mind.聽
The federal government says mental illness is a high-risk group prone to health problems when exposed to air pollution.
It鈥檚 listed alongside seniors, pregnant people and those with lung or heart conditions most impacted when air quality plummets as it has this week.
Dr. Sean Kidd, a senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, says polluted air can make people feel trapped, particularly those who are homeless and can't avoid the outdoors. 聽
That can exacerbate stressors and intensify distress for anyone who experiences mental health challenges. 聽
Environment Canada says parts of Saskatchewan and Inuvik are 鈥渧ery high risk鈥 while Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Yellowknife are high and moderate risk areas due to wildfire smoke.聽
This report by 春色直播was first published July 15, 2025.
春色直播 Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the 春色直播 Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
