Health Department Reports on Climate Change Impact on Air Quality in Durham Region

The Durham Region Health Department released a report on September 5, 2025, examining how climate change is affecting air quality for residents of Durham Region and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

The report states that older adults and children are especially affected by poor air quality, with increased emergency department visits and hospitalizations on days when air quality is low. It also notes that social and health inequalities—such as differences in income, housing, and health care access—influence how severely people are impacted by air pollution.

According to the Health Department, while transportation emissions per person in Durham Region have declined since 2015, overall exposure to air pollution is expected to rise because of climate change. The report identifies several contributing factors: increasing traffic-related air pollution, longer pollen seasons, stagnant air that traps pollutants, and a higher risk from wildfire smoke.

Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Medical Officer of Health, said that poor air quality days are linked to rising health care usage among vulnerable groups. Ian McVey, Director of Environment & Climate for Durham Region, stated that the assessment provides evidence that climate-related health impacts are already occurring in the region and are most severe among children and older adults.

The Health Department said that findings from the assessment will be used by the Region to help inform and prioritize strategies to reduce risks. The report is part of an ongoing series examining the relationship between climate change and health in Durham Region.