Wildfires in British Columbia and Alberta prompt air quality concerns. What to know about wildfire smoke and how to stay safe
A respirologist shares tips on staying safe as wildfires compromise air quality across British Columbia, Alberta and parts of the United States.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
Wildfires in British Columbia and Alberta have prompted evacuation orders impacting thousands of Canadians. Over the weekend, the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) issued evacuation orders for the three communities comprising the Little Red River Cree Nation: John D’Or Prairie, Fox Lake and Garden River. The order impacts about 5,500 people as fires span approximately 95,000 hectares in the area, located 560 km north of Edmonton.
Meanwhile, in British Columbia, lightning-triggered wildfires have caused several emergency evacuation orders to be issued, including the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake.
The situation has led to hazardous air quality conditions in Canada, extending into the United States.
As wildfire season continues, protecting ourselves from smoke remains top-of-mind for many. Last year, Yahoo Canada spoke to a top respirologist in Toronto, who weighed in on the impact of smoke on our lungs and what to do to stay safe. Read on for everything you need to know.
Wildfire smoke symptoms, and impact of wildfire smoke on our health: Expert
Dr. John Granton, a respirologist at the Toronto General Hospital (University Health Network), told Yahoo Canada wildfires cause air pollution that can have a far-reaching effect on human health.
Small air pollutant particles in the smoke, called the PM2.5 particles, are "where a lot of the toxic stuff lives," Granton explained.
"That's not filtered by your upper airway, that gets access to your lower airway and into your bloodstream even — and that's where the danger lies.
"That can cause asthma attacks, can cause heart attacks, can contribute to hospitalizations and has long-term health outcomes."
Even just the smell could cause problems for some, he said.
"Being in smog all day long, the smell bothers people; it can cause irritation of the upper airway, some of the larger particles can cause irritation, and cause symptoms. People [who] have chest symptoms or asthma, it can make them feel worse."
Granton said smoke isn't easy to escape, but there are some things people can do try and stay safe.
Can face masks protect us from smoke?
According to Granton, "there's not a lot of data to support the health benefits of masking" when it comes to safety from wildfire smoke. But, he said there is research looking into the effectiveness of filters.
"Cloth masks or scarves and things are not effective at all," the doctor claimed.
But surgical masks and N95 filter masks "tend to filter those smaller particles," he added, "apparently some of those masks are effective."
Granton said "they're not going to filter the gases," though, and there are studies that question whether masks that aren't properly fitted would actually help in the real world.
"Whether or not that has a direct health benefit is speculative right now," Granton explained.
However, he said it "may be reasonable" for those who have underlying health conditions and those who have to be in the hotspots of the pollution to wear one.
"If you have to be outdoors and doing things, then wearing that sort of mask to protect you would be sensible."
How else to protect yourself from wildfire smoke?
Though filtration masks could aid in protecting your lungs from smoke, the number one recommendation from experts is to stay indoors.
According to Health Canada, the following measures should also be taken:
Reduce sources of indoor air pollution (smoking, vacuuming, burning candles, wood stoves)
Prevent infiltration of outside air (seal windows, instal a high-quality air filter, set HVAC system to recirculation mode, limit use of exhaust fans when not cooking)
Have a functioning CO alarm
Use a portable air purifier and air conditioning
Granton echoed this advice.
"Most people recommend staying indoors as much as possible and not exercising or doing things outside," he reiterated.
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