The last couple of months have been hard on a lot of people with all the smoke in the air.
That’s something that’s probably not going to clear up until September at the earliest, with BC experiencing its second worst wildfire year already, and on-track to set the record for worst year ever.
Wildfire smoke is not just annoying, it can actually be harmful to one’s health, especially for the young and the old, for people who are pregnant, for people with respiratory issues, and for people with pre-existing chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes.
Accordng to the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), wildfire smoke contains very small particles that travel deep into your lungs when you inhale. “These particles can cause irritation and inflammation, which can last until the air quality improves.”
Fortunately most symptoms are relatively mild, and can be managed without medical attention. These includes sore throat and eyes, runny nose, mild cough, more phlegm, wheezy breathing and headaches. But some people may experience more severe symptoms. These include shortness of breath, a severe cough, dizziness, chest pain and heart palpitations.
But it’s the very air we breathe. How do we avoid wildfire smoke?
Well, according to the BCCDC, there are a variety of steps that people can take, like using a portable HEPA filter to create a smoke free room in your house.
You can also visit public spaces such as community centres and library, which tend to have cleaner, cooler indoor air.
You should also limit the amount of outdoor exercise on smoky days. The harder you breathe, the more smoke you inhale.
The BCCDC also recommend drinking lots of water to help reduce inflammation, and, if you have to work outdoors, use an N95 respirator that has been properly fitted by occupational health and safety professionals.
Finally, whenever possible, use air conditioners, heat pumps, evaporative coolers, fans, and window shades to keep your cleaner air space comfortably cool on hot days. Overheating can cause serious health problems.”
If you are susceptible to smoke due to a chronic health condition, work with your healthcare providers 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.”
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
