July 2025

Rapid review: Evaluating the effectiveness of masks and respirators against wildfire smoke

Inhalation of wildfire smoke can lead to serious health impacts, making interventions to reduce personal exposure essential. This rapid review assesses available evidence on the effectiveness of masks and respirators for reducing exposure to wildfire-related air pollutants. It also identifies key research gaps in understanding the impact of masking on health outcomes.

Upcoming Webinar

Unmasking the evidence for reducing harms from wildfire smoke:
The role of air cleaners and masks

August 28, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM Pacific Time

Ryan Huff, Ph.D.
National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health

Register free

Research Scan

Announcements

Wildfire health impacts on diverse populations in Canada

Canada’s wildfire seasons are becoming longer and more severe. The Public Health Agency of Canada recently produced a rapid review that used an intersectional approach to highlight how wildfires and wildfire smoke disproportionately affect the mental and physical health of diverse groups, including Indigenous Peoples. The report also highlights equity-related considerations for planning and response efforts.

NCCEH is now on Bluesky

We have joined Bluesky! Follow us here for our latest resources and upcoming events on environmental health. Please share with your networks and we look forward to connecting with you there.

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Strengthen One Health communication across sectors

Researchers at Simon Fraser University are conducting virtual focus groups as part of a study on improving how health information is shared across human, animal, and environmental sectors. Sessions will last one hour, followed by a brief survey.

Participants from Northern and Fraser Health (BC) and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (ON) are especially encouraged to join. Focus groups will begin in July and meetings will be completed by early fall 2025.
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Interested? Click here for more information or email ohcomms@sfu.ca

The National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT) releases new 2025–2028 strategic plan

The National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT) has just released their new 2025–2028 strategic plan, building on 20 years of success and experience. The strategic priorities reflect an expanded view of evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) in public health.

Webinar Recording

AQmap in Action: Tracking wildfire smoke in real time for cleaner air decisions

External Events

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This email is compliant with Canadian Anti-Spam legislation. For more information please visit the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation page.Production of the NCCEH eNews has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada through the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health. NCCEH is one of six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health
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