via: Public Health Agency of Canada Emergency Preparedness and Response
June 2023 Newsletter: Wildfire and Smoke
As the summer progresses, it’s important to prepare for wildfires. Wildfires produce dense smoke that can be a major source of air pollution. This pollution contains gases and fine particles that penetrate deep into our lungs and bloodstream, sometimes leading to serious health effects. Smoke may be carried hundreds or thousands of kilometres from the fire zone. Several federal and provincial resources are available to help in raising awareness about this important subject.
Wildfire smoke can harm everyone’s health, even at low concentrations. However, everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.
Take Action!
Plan for health needs. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Speak with your healthcare provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home, and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.
Stop or reduce activity level. If breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feels unwell. Contact your healthcare provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice.
Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for your location and monitor your symptoms. People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common and usually disappear when the smoke clears. Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke.
If you have an HVAC system in your home, use the highest rated MERV filter for your system (ideally rated 13 or higher) and set the fan to recirculate air constantly. You can also use a portable High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaner. Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
Take a break from the smoke at a location (link) such as libraries, community centres, malls and schools in your community where you can find clean, cool air.
If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms.
Be sure to check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke.
Reduce sources of indoor air pollution. If you can, avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning incense and candles, frying foods, using wood stoves and vacuuming. Dust on indoor surfaces can be removed by wiping and wet mopping during a pollution episode.
Use an air purifier to filter wildfire smoke (link) – Purchase a clean, good-quality air filter (for example, HEPA filter) for your ventilation system or portable air purifier
Additional Resources
If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or visit https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA.
For more information, please visit
BCCDC – Wildfire Smoke
Download the WeatherCan app to get free notifications about weather events, extreme heat and special air quality statements
Find the latest information online regarding wildfire smoke and health and how to reduce exposure. Download, print, and share Wildfire Smoke 101 factsheets.
How to Prepare for wildfire smoke
Combined wildfire smoke and heat
Wildfire Smoke and your health
Using an air purifier to filter wildfire smoke
Protect your indoor air from outdoor pollutants
Be well aware – protect your well water during and after a wildfire emergency.
FireSmart: teaches residents and stakeholders how to mitigate the risks and impacts of fires that affect communities and infrastructure:
Canada: https://firesmartcanada.ca/
Please share this information with your program participants, public health teams, community, colleagues and networks.
Please feel free to contact Program Operations (WesternRegion) if you need any further information: [email protected]