Wildfire season has once again gotten off to an early and alarming start in British Columbia. As this increasingly becomes the norm, it's important that British Columbians, and people across Canada, know how to stay healthy even in smoky skies.
who is at risk
Wildfire smoke poses serious potential health risks to everyone, but especially infants and young children, the elderly, pregnant women, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes.
Health effects of wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke is made up of gases and particulates and poses a huge risk to our health. When inhaled, these particles can enter the lungs and cause irritation and inflammation. Most symptoms are relatively mild and do not require medical attention. The most common symptoms include sore throat, eye irritation, runny nose, and mild cough. However, if you experience any of the following severe symptoms, contact your health care professional immediately:
shortness of breath
severe cough
dizzy
chest pain
palpitations
Protect your health from wildfire smoke
It is important to limit exposure during smoky hours. Here are some tips to help you do this.
Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) (link is external) and only go outside when it is safe to do so
If you must go out, use a well-fitting mask, triple-layer cloth, or disposable mask.
Use a portable HEPA air purifier and close windows.
If your home has a forced heating and cooling system, replace the filter and set the fan to run continuously.
When driving, use air conditioning whenever possible and set ventilation to recirculate.
Stay hydrated to reduce inflammation
Reduce your activity level to reduce the amount of smoke you inhale.
Precautions taken to reduce smoke exposure
There are also precautions you can take before the smoke arrives or when the air clears.
If you have a respiratory condition, stock up on medications so you have enough on hand in case the smoke arrives.
I'm considering purchasing a portable air purifier with a HEPA air filter to reduce indoor smoke particles.
Learn about the different tools you can use to monitor current air quality and wildfire smoke forecasts
As climate change intensifies and droughts and above-average temperatures become more common, Canadians can expect wildfire seasons to continue to increase in severity and result in smoky skies becoming more frequent .
For more information about wildfire smoke and health impacts, visit the BCDCC's dedicated wildfire smoke webpage or the British Columbia Government's air quality advisories.
If you're a doctor in an area at high risk of wildfires, you can find support and resource lists, evacuation alerts and information about keeping your patients healthy in news articles.
