The Province is urging people to be mindful of their health as wildfires across the province cause smoky skies and poor air quality, an issue expected to worsen as BC endures an early and intense start to the wildfire season.
“There is growing evidence that exposure to seasonal wildfire smoke may have longer-lasting impacts on people’s health,” reads a statement from the government of BC.
“Smoky air can make it harder for your lungs to get oxygen to your blood. Fine particulate matter carries the greatest risk to people’s health because it can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause inflammation and irritation. Smoke can also irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.”
Those who live in an area affected by wildfire smoke are advises to take the best course of protecting themselves by sheltering in place and reducing their exposure. For example, rather than heading outside to kick a soccer ball around with your children, consider a family board game or indoor exercise instructional videos via websites or YouTube.
“Exposure to wildfire smoke and the virus that causes COVID-19 can result in both respiratory symptoms, such as a dry cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing. Use the B.C. COVID-19 self-assessment tool to help determine whether you need further assessment or testing for COVID-19,” the statement continues.
“Poor air quality can be harmful to health, especially for those with chronic conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, or diabetes, pregnant people, infants and children, and older adults.”
Some helpful tips for protecting yourself and your loved ones from the effects of wildfire smoke are as follows:
- Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors, stay hydrated and avoid rigorous outdoor activities.
- Exercising outside when it is smoky can also be a health risk for some people. The harder you breathe, the more smoke you inhale.
- When indoors, keep the air clean (windows/doors closed, no smoking, no burning fireplaces/candles/incense, no vacuuming).
- During smoky times, you can keep your indoor air cleaner by closing your windows, recirculating air through a forced air system and using an air cleaner.
- You can also consider using a portable air cleaner that uses HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration to remove smoke from the indoor air. For more information from BCCDC, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Health-Environment/BCCDC_WildFire_FactSheet_PortableAirCleaners.pdf
- When in a vehicle, keep windows closed with air conditioning set to recirculate.
- Visit places with air conditioning, such as shopping malls, community centres, swimming pools, public libraries, etc., as they often have cleaner, cooler air than smaller buildings or the outdoors, while following COVID-19 guidance for those communal spaces.
- For those who require rescue medications, especially for respiratory conditions like asthma, ensure you have sufficient supplies on hand for when conditions are smoky.
- If you cannot access cleaner air, some face masks can provide protection from wildfire smoke. For detailed guidance, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Health-Environment/BCCDC_WildFire_FactSheet_FaceMasks.pdf
- VisitHealthLinkBC (healthlinkbc.ca) , call 811 (non-emergency), see a health care professional, or call 911 (emergency) if you’re experiencing symptoms, including difficulty breathing and cardiovascular distress.
- Pay attention to localair quality reports and the conditions around you because smoke levels can change over short periods and over small distances. Smoky skies bulletins are posted here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-quality/air-advisories
