Protecting Your Health During Wildfire Smoke Season
Wildfires across British Columbia are reducing air quality throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, posing health risks. As these events become more frequent with climate change, now is a good time to check how prepared you and your family are to stay healthy during smoky conditions.
What Symptoms Should You Watch for?
Wildfire smoke is a type of air pollution that releases gases and fine particles when vegetation burns. These particles known as PM2.5, is able to travel into our lungs and even our bloodstream, triggering inflammation throughout the body.
Mild symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Eye Irritation
- Excess Phlegm
- Cough
Severe symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Severe coughing
- Dizziness
Severe symptoms prompt medical attention. If you or someone nearby is experiencing these, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 or seek care right away.
Who Is At Higher Risk?
Wildfire smoke conditions can affect anyone, however some people face higher risk of health effects, including:
- Older adults
- Infants and young children
- People who are pregnant
- People with chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease or diabetes
- People with previous or current respiratory infection
How Can You Protect Yourself and Your Family?
- Stay indoors with filtered air. A portable HEPA air cleaner offers the best protection. Keep windows and doors closed, and create a cool space with clean air.
- Limit outdoor activity and strenuous exercise, especially if you are at higher risk.
- Regularly check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), as conditions can shift through the day.
- Use air conditioned public spaces such as libraries, community centres or malls to relocate.
- Consider wearing a N95 mask if you have to be outside.
- Check in on people at higher risk.
Where Can You Check Current Air Quality?
- Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) forecast provides air quality data and determines risk category of smoke.
- Environment and Climate Change (ECC) air quality map can allow you to find your community on the map and locate nearby air quality.
- FireSmoke and FireWork smoke forecast maps.
More Information
Feel free to visit the following websites for more information.
Air Quality – Environment Canada
British Columbia – Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) – Environment Canada
Wildfire smoke | Vancouver Coastal Health
Check local air quality data: Visit the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) air quality map