Here’s how wildfire smoke exposure can impact your health
Communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are currently facing devastating wildfires, leading to the evacuation of over 25,000 residents. The wildfires, which have already consumed more than two million hectares of land, are causing widespread smoke plumes that are affecting the air quality in surrounding regions, including northwestern Ontario and central Manitoba. The smoke has even traveled as far as the Upper Midwest in the United States and parts of Europe.
Exposure to wildfire smoke poses serious health risks to individuals, especially those in at-risk groups such as people with chronic health conditions, seniors, young children, and pregnant women. Fine particles in wildfire smoke, which are invisible to the naked eye, can cause irritation in the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, and headaches. In more severe cases, exposure to wildfire smoke can result in shortness of breath, dizziness, and heart palpitations.
Dr. Angela Yao, a senior scientist at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, emphasizes the importance of seeking cleaner indoor air to protect oneself during a wildfire smoke event. Keeping doors and windows closed, using air purifiers with adequate filters, and visiting public spaces with cleaner indoor air are recommended measures to reduce exposure to smoke. Monitoring local wildfire smoke forecasts and using the air quality health index can help individuals determine whether it is safe to spend time outdoors during a wildfire smoke event.
Research has shown that infants whose mothers were exposed to wildfire smoke during pregnancy were more likely to experience ear infections and lower respiratory infections after birth. Adverse birth outcomes, such as lower birth weight, have also been linked to wildfire smoke exposure. It is essential for individuals to stay informed about air quality levels and take necessary precautions to protect their health during wildfires.
