Wildfire Smoke and Health

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to health even at low levels. The biggest health threat from wildfire smoke comes from fine particles in the air, referred to as particulate matter (PM). Particles smaller than 10 microns (PM 10) can make it past our body's defenses and lodge in our airways or bronchial tubes. Particles smaller than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5) are especially dangerous as they can reach into the air sacs of our lungs and into the bloodstream. Smoke particles can build up in our bodies and cause a number of immediate health problems:

• Irritation to the respiratory (breathing) system
• Immune response and inflammation that affects other parts of the body
• Harm your lungs’ ability to get oxygen into your blood
• Mucus and soot build-up in the lungs and an increased risk to infections such as sinusitis or bronchitis
• Increased  risk of infections like pneumonia, COVID-19, and ear infections in children

Common, mild symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure include:

• Sore throat
• Eye irritation (sore and watery eyes)
• Runny nose and sinus irritation (e.g. phlegm production)
• Mild coughing
• Headaches

Some people may experience more severe symptoms including:

• Wheezing, asthma attacks
• Shortness of breath, choking
• Severe or uncontrolled coughing
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations

Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually get better when the smoke clears. However, infants, unborn children, and those with obstructive lung conditions are more likely to experience longer-term health effects. 

Wildfire smoke can affect anyone regardless of age or health status. However, different people respond in different ways, and some people are at higher risk of health problems when exposed. This includes:

• Infants and young children
• Pregnant people
• Older adults
• People with existing illness (e.g. cancer, COVID-19) or chronic health conditions (e.g. congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, asthma, heart disease, diabetes)
• People who work outside or spend a lot of time outside
• People doing strenuous outdoor exercise
• People who smoke (smoking puts added stress on your lungs)

If you are at higher risk, talk with your healthcare provider and make a management plan for wildfire smoke events. consider maintaining a supply of needed medications at home, or always carry those medications with you during wildfire season.

Prepare

• Know your risk and the risk of family members to wildfire smoke
• Have an adequate supply of medication, food, and water
• Have spare air filters for air filtration units
• Know where you can go to get a break from the smoke
• Find information about local air quality conditions

Reduce Exposure

Take it easy and limit outdoor activities, especially strenuous physical activity on smoky days. The harder you breathe, the more smoke you inhale.

If you spend time outdoors, consider wearing a well-fitted respirator mask (e.g. NIOSH, N95, or equivalent)

Keep indoor air clean

• Use a portable HEPA air filter to clean air in rooms you spend most time in
• Limit sources of indoor air pollution:
  • Smoking and vaping
  • Vacuuming (unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter)
  • Burning incense or candles, or using air purifiers that make ozone
  • Using wood stoves
  • Using cleaning products that give off high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• If indoor temperatures are comfortable, keep outside air from coming in:
  • Close windows and doors
  • Set up high quality air filters
  • Set HVAC to recirculate mode
  • Limit use of exhaust fan when cooking
  • Use air conditioning and humidification/dehumidification

Take a break from the smoke. Visit public spaces like community centers and libraries where the air tends to be cleaner and cooler.

When driving, keep windows up and air conditioning on. Use recirculated air to limit outdoor air from coming in.

Other Recommendations to Protect Your Health

• Use the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to see local air quality conditions
• Drink lots of water to help your body cope with the smoke
• Check in on family, friends, and neighbours who may be more sensitive to smoke

Mental Health

Take care of your mental health during wildfire smoke events. It is normal to feel more anxious, stressed, sad, or socially isolated. Take care by nourishing yourself, getting sleep, exercising indoors, and staying socially connected.

If you are struggling, contact your mental health care provider or visit:

• Health 811
• Hope for Wellness Helpline for Indigenous peoples
• Mental Health Support
• Kids Help Phone

Spare the Air

Better forest management, respecting fire bans, and reducing fossil fuel emissions to slow climate change are all key steps to reducing wildfires. 

As individuals, there are a few things we can do. On days when air quality is especially bad, take extra steps to reduce air pollution: 

• Limit car use 
• Avoid using a fire pit, fireplace, or wood stove
• Avoid burning anything outdoors
• Avoid using gas-powered garden equipment like lawn mowers, or recreational vehicles like ATVs 

Wildfires can happen at the same time as other health threats like extreme heat, extreme weather, and power outages. In the case of heat and poor air quality, breathing in more air (as we do at higher temperatures) means breathing in more pollutants. 

Freshwater sources and the water cycle as a whole are also threatened by wildfires, as less vegetation means less water is captured and cleaned. When it rains after a wildfire, water picks up various contaminants on its way into reservoirs. TBDHU has information to help you prepare for and stay safe during public health threats.

• TBDHU: Extreme Heat
• TBDHU: Emergencies & Being Prepared 

Climate-Health Connection

Our changing climate is worsening air quality, which impacts our health and well-being. Climate change increases exposure to four key air pollutants: nitrogen oxides, ozone, particulate matter, and allergens. These pollutants are released into the air at the same time as greenhouse gases. Climate change also results in more frequent and severe wildfires that affect air quality through rising temperatures, severe thunderstorms, drought, and extreme heat. At the same time, wildfires add to the extent of climate change by: 

• Releasing greenhouse gases when vegetation and organic matter burns
• Reducing the amount of forest available to sequester (store) carbon
• Limiting other climate-related benefits that forests provide related to flooding, heat, sun protection, water and air filtration, mental health, and more 

Around the world, air pollution has been linked to disease, increased hospitalizations, and premature death. Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants will directly improve air quality and ease climate change and its impacts on people and communities.