Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from the Effects of Wildfire Smoke
Wildfires and smoke have always occurred in British Columbia, but they are becoming more frequent and severe as the climate changes. Breathing in wildfire smoke can affect everyone’s health as it causes episodes of the worst air quality that most people will ever experience in British Columbia.
The smoky season typically lasts from summer to fall but can start earlier or last longer depending on the year. Take action before and during smoky season to protect you and your family’s health. Exposure to air pollution can irritate the lungs, cause inflammation, and alter immune function. So it’s best to be prepared before the season starts.
If you have a chronic health condition, work with your family doctor or nurse practitioner to create a management plan for smoky conditions. If you use rescue medications, make sure that you have an ample supply at home and carry them with you at all times during the wildfire season.
Download the BC Centre for Disease Control tips.
The Best way to protect your health is to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke
- Most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, so clean indoor air is important.
- Purchase a portable air cleaner that uses HEPA filtration to remove smoke from the indoor air.
- Do your research to find something suitable for your needs.
- If you have forced air heating, talk to your service provider about what filters and settings to use during smoky conditions.
- Know where to find cleaner air in your community.
- Libraries, community centres, and shopping malls often have cooler, filtered air.
To learn more about how you can protect yourself from wildfire smoke please download this poster, print it out and put it on your fridge or bulletin board where you can see it this summer!