With wildfires raging once again across Canada, air quality is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Thick smoke is seeping into residential and public spaces, prompting a surge in respiratory-related visits to emergency departments nationwide. As hospitals adapt to this growing strain, the need for fortified clean-air strategies has become critical to ensure patient safety and effective care.

“The critical importance of proactive indoor air quality management in healthcare facilities cannot be overstated,” said Erica Brabon, Senior Director, Energy & Sustainability Services, Black & McDonald. “Robust building systems, including advanced filtration and ventilation, are no longer just about comfort; they are essential lines of defense, safeguarding the health of patients, staff, and visitors from external environmental threats. The B&M team actively partners with clients to assess vulnerabilities, upgrade infrastructure, and implement innovative technologies—empowering facilities to address immediate challenges while building long-term resilience.”

Breathing hazards

Forest fires release vast amounts of harmful air pollutants, including smoke and fine particulate matter capable of travelling hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. One of the most concerning components is PM2.5—tiny particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. These particles, often composed of organic material, heavy metals, and other combustion by-products, are linked to symptoms such as headaches, allergies, fatigue, and other long-term health complications.

The risks are especially pronounced for vulnerable groups, including individuals over 65, pregnant women, and people living with cardiovascular conditions, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition to PM2.5, wildfire smoke contains other hazardous compounds like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Together, these pollutants can cause acute symptoms and contribute to serious, chronic effects, including respiratory decline and heart disease.

Steps to protect occupants

During seasons of poor outdoor air quality, healthcare facilities face heightened risks due to the vulnerability of their patient populations and the critical need for safe clinical environments. To protect occupants and maintain operational resilience, facility teams should prioritize comprehensive IAQ strategies centered around their HVAC systems.

The first step of any good IAQ assessment should include:

• A visual inspection to identify any conditions that may have an impact on IAQ.
• A review of the supply and return air distribution and a review of occupant activities, housekeeping practices, building materials, and furnishings that can contribute to the distribution, accumulation, and/or generation of indoor air requirements.
• Spot measurements for temperature, humidity, CO2 and CO, PM2.5 etc. and air sampling for mould

After the initial assessment, a deeper dive can be explored to eliminate potential inefficiencies within the HVAC system, including:

• Filtration: Are the current HVAC systems using high-efficiency air filters to capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles? Proper filtration removes contaminants and reduces the presence of allergens in the air to significantly improve IAQ.

• Circulation: Are the HVAC systems set at the proper parameters to ensure proper and clean air circulation throughout the different spaces in the building? When outdoor air quality is poor, HVAC systems should be adjusted to maintain adequate ventilation, without letting in poor air to circulate with clean indoor air.

• Purification: Do the current HVAC systems integrate air purification technologies such as UV-C germicidal lamps or electronic air cleaners? These types of equipment target and offset, or capture dangerous microorganisms, bacteria, and other viruses to improve IAQ.

• Temperature and Humidity Control: Are you monitoring and regulating moisture in the air to stop the growth of mold, mildew, and other issues that can impact IAQ? Properly set up HVAC systems control both the temperature and humidity within spaces to contribute to your occupant’s overall comfort and well-being.

Finally, by partnering with a reputable mechanical facility services provider like Black & McDonald, you will ensure your HVAC systems are routinely monitored, maintained, and cleaned to guarantee consistent and optimal functionality. These systems are often intricate, yet vital to a building’s IAQ, so ensuring they are installed and properly maintained is pivotal to a healthy indoor environment.

Prioritize indoor air quality today by contacting Black & McDonald’s Facility Services at [email protected]