As Forests Burn…
As part of the natural cycle of Canada’s vast boreal forests, wildfires have burned millions of acres across northwestern Ontario this month, forcing remote communities to evacuate and sending air quality readings soaring. Wildfires release massive plumes of gases, water vapour, and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere. Their noxious smoke and ash contain a complex mixture of harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, ammonia, and ozone. However, the greatest health threat comes from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and, in some cases, enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Climate change, through rising temperatures and drier conditions, is contributing to larger, more intense wildfires and longer wildfire seasons.
“Air pollution is already associated with 17,000 premature deaths every year and more than $140 billion of economic damage in Canada annually — and that burden could increase if air quality worsens.” Rebecca Saari, Canada Research Chair in Global Change, Atmosphere and Health, Associate Professor, University of Waterloo.
Leaf Blowers add to Wildfire Smoke Pollution
Each year, Toronto experiences periods of heavy wildfire smoke , with skies blanketed by haze and air quality reaching hazardous levels. Living in Toronto now means facing increasingly unpredictable weather and air quality. As climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, brings warmer temperatures and more frequent extreme wildfire conditions, clean air can no longer be taken for granted.
At a time when wildfire smoke is already degrading air quality, it is important to reduce avoidable sources of air pollution wherever possible. 2-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers emit fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and greenhouse gases while also stirring up dust and debris. Reducing their use during periods of poor air quality can help limit additional pollution .
City Council passed a no-leaf-blower’s motion inspired by Gasbusters.
”When wildfire smoke pushes Toronto’s Air Quality Health Index into unhealthy, high (7-10) or very unhealthy, very high risk (10+) Council directs city operations, businesses, and residents to refrain—wherever practical and feasible—from using 2-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers. “
The motion also instructs the Chief Communications Officer to coordinate the use of the City's various communication channels to get this message to businesses and residents
How to check air quality during wildfire smoke events
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a scale from 1 to 10+ designed to help you understand what the air quality around you means to your health. The higher the number, the greater the health risk associated with the air quality.
The AQHI and air quality alerts provide messaging and suggestions for both the general public and those more at-risk from wildfire smoke onways to protect health.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Air Quality Ontario Alert Air
(Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.)
.The Air Quality Alert Program is designed to help people take protective actions during periods of elevated air pollution,
Yellow Warning – Issued when Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is forecast to reach the high-risk category
(AQHI 7–9).
Orange Warning – Issued when AQHI is forecast to reach, or has reached, the very high-risk category
(AQHI 10+).
Health advice
Nearly 200,000 people are hospitalized in Canada each year due to environment air pollution. McGill University reports 15,000 premature deaths are annually caused by pollution in Canada.
Despite these warnings, thousands of gas-powered leaf blowers continued running across the city, adding even more toxic emissions and fine particles to already dangerous air. On smoky days, when pollution is already at crisis levels, the last thing our neighborhoods need is more dirty air.
People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
Protect your indoor air from outdoor air pollution. Actions can include using the highest-quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle and/or a certified portable air cleaner.
If you must spend time outdoors during a high risk or very high risk such as wildfire smoke event, limit the time as much as possible. A well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
Health Canada
“Gas leaf blowers can produce disproportionately “ large amounts of air pollutants.Operating this equipment,particularly two-stroke engines, elevates people’s exposure to toxic air pollution and exacerbates conditions, especially during poor air quality events.The aim of restricting gas leaf blowers during poor air quality events would likely be to help avoid further air quality degradation and protect public health.”
Letter from Health Canada.
From:donotreply-nepasrepondre@gc.canada.ca
Sent: 2026-05-30 7:09 PM
To: INFO (PHAC/ASPC) <info@phac-aspc.gc.ca>
Subject: Contact Form - pollution from 2 stroke leaf blowers9:09 AM , June 24, 2026
Dear Gasbusters,
Thank you for your enquiry from May 30, 2026.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a health protection communication tool designed to help you make informed decisions to limit short-term exposure to air pollution and adjust your outdoor activities. It is a collaborative initiative between Environmentand Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, and Provincial Ministries.
The federal government calculates, forecasts, and reports on the AQHI while providing nationwide health messaging. Concurrently, in Ontario, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) reports on local AQHI values using a comprehensive network of ambient air monitoring stations.
Air quality can have a significant impact on public health and some populations facing a higher risk of health issues from air pollution. These high-risk groups include seniors, infants and young children, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing conditions like cardiovascular or lung disease, asthma, and diabetes as well as those working and/or performing strenuous activities outdoors.
During periods of poor air quality, such as wildfire smoke events, where health risks are elevated, MECP works closely with Public Health Ontario to distribute specific health messaging and advisories to protect residents. Under its municipal mandate, the City of Toronto likely utilizes its policymaking and guidance capabilities to actively protect these at-risk groups.
Gas leaf blowers can produce disproportionately large amounts of air pollutants. Operating this equipment, particularly two-stroke engines, elevates people’s exposure to toxic air pollution and exacerbates conditions, especially during poor air quality events. The aim of restricting gas leaf blowers during poor air quality events would likely be to help avoid further air quality degradation and protect public health.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Sincerely,
Air team - Water and Air Quality Bureau -
Health Canada
"Toronto Under an Orange Sky as Wildfire Smoke Pours Into the U.S. Northeast.”
“Air quality in Canada’s largest city-Toronto- was at times the worst in the world on Wednesday, as wildfires across Ontario sent smoke drifting into New York City and beyond.
The bad air was the product of about 800 wildfires burning across Canada, particularly the roughly 180 that have been burning in Ontario, where the fires have prompted air quality warnings, road closures and some evacuations.
On Thursday, the Air Quality Index — which measures the density of five pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide — reached eye-popping levels in the Upper Midwest. An A.Q.I. of 50 or below represents “good” air quality; anything over 150 is considered “unhealthy,” and over 300 is “hazardous.” In Michigan, the A.Q.I. hit 785. In Toledo, Ohio, it was 775, in Milwaukee, the A.Q.I. was 460,”
NEW YORK TIMES, JULY 16, 2026
