Guidance from Health Canada Advocates Indoor Protection to Mitigate Health Risks.
As relentless wildfires continue to blanket parts of British Columbia and the Northwest Territories with smoke, health experts underscore the necessity for residents to remain vigilant about their well-being.
Outlined below are common inquiries regarding the risks posed by wildfire smoke, accompanied by vital reminders for safeguarding oneself during episodes of severely compromised air quality.
Health Implications of Wildfire Smoke
The smoke emitted by wildfires is comprised of a perilous amalgamation of gases, pollutants, and particulate matter. These particulates, housing detrimental household substances such as heavy metals, batteries, and synthetic plastics, manifest as a consequence of fires ravaging trees, grasslands, structures, and residences.
While some larger particles like dust, grime, or soot are perceptible, it is the minute debris that eludes the naked eye that bears upon health concerns. Exposure to smoke introduces diminutive particles referred to as PM2.5—finer than a human hair—able to infiltrate the respiratory system and even enter the bloodstream. This triggers an immune response culminating in inflammation.
Long-term inflammation can exacerbate pre-existing cardiac and pulmonary conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), encompassing an array of conditions impeding airflow and respiratory function.
Infants, youngsters, seniors, and expectant women are especially susceptible. Even individuals in good health may grapple with symptoms like irritated eyes, sinus inflammation, headaches, or wheezing. It’s noteworthy that Health Canada asserts no level of smoke exposure is devoid of risk.
Mitigation Measures: Embrace Indoor Haven
Minimizing exposure to smoke emerges as the premier strategy for safeguarding health. Health Canada advocates seeking shelter indoors and securing windows during periods of smog. In cases where indoor conditions become excessively warm, transitioning to cooling centers is recommended.
Individuals aspiring to engage in physical activity are advised to seek indoor settings or abstain from exercise until the haze subsides.
Dr. Courtney Howard, an emergency room physician in Yellowknife, emphasizes, “We’re urging individuals to exercise caution, confine themselves indoors, maintain sealed windows, and optimize ventilation.”
Preceding outdoor activities, experts propose consulting the air quality forecast for informed decision-making.
Samantha Green, a family physician at Toronto’s Allied Health Center and incoming president of the Canadian Association of Environmental Physicians, advocates referencing the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for guidance. The AQHI rates Canadian cities on a scale of 1 to 10, reflecting air pollution levels and associated health risks. Ratings ranging from 1 to 3 denote minimal risk, 4 to 6 signify moderate risk, and 7 to 10 signify elevated risk. Pollution levels deemed very high attain a rating of 10+.
Addressing Air Purification
Health Canada does endorse air purification devices equipped with HEPA filters, and the cost of operating air purifiers remains manageable.
Online instructions from the Pacific Institute of Pathogens, Epidemiology, and Society along with the BC Lung Foundation delineate procedures for crafting a homemade air purifier using a box fan, an air filter, and cardboard.
Mask Usage: Selecting the Right Approach
Should outdoor activity be imperative, Health Canada prescribes the use of an appropriate respirator-style mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent) that seals snugly against the face, eliminating any gaps.
Dr. Howard elucidates, “One of the indicators of a properly fitting mask is the N95 model. You’ll discern its fit as the mask suctions onto your face upon inhalation. In the event air seeps in from the sides, adjustments are necessary to ensure a secure fit.”
While masks aid in filtering fine particles, they do not provide immunity against other smoke-borne gases. Individuals experiencing symptoms even while masked are advised to relocate indoors.
For those necessitating outdoor labor, consulting provincial or territorial occupational health and safety agencies or local health departments is advisable to ascertain guidelines for safe operation.
