Impact of Canadian wildfires on air quality and athletes: A cautious look at this summer

By Dylan BarnesCounty Sports ZoneAs summer approaches, forecasts indicate the possibility of another severe wildfire season in Canada, raising concerns about air quality once again.& Wildfires can create serious health concerns for athletes this summer. (Photo courtesy Bailey Torres/Unsplash)Factors such as high temperatures, dry conditions, and intense winds are expected to contribute to the risk of wildfires. Consequently, athletes and coaches are bracing for the potential recurrence of last year’s air quality issues. We must take last years’ experience and take precautionary measures this summer for athletes.& After interviewing Anne McGinty, coach at Friends School of Baltimore, she provided clarity that she along with the rest of the athletic staff and health staff, including the athletic trainer and nurse at the school, keep the athletic department up to speed on whether the air quality is safe or not for athletic teams to train or play matches. If not, coaches are to either cancel the team event or find an alternative way to train that does not put the school’s athletes at risk.& Considering these concerns, coaches and athletic organizations are taking proactive steps to safeguard athletes’ health. Here are some of the key measures being implemented:Monitoring Air Quality: Coaches and...