Here is how the exposure to wildfire can affect your health
As the community comes out of control in Alberta, Suskechewan and Manitoba, thousands of inhabitants-in the surrounding areas are coming in exposure to the smoke of the Jungle fire, which increase their risk for short and long-term health effects.
To date, over 25,000 people have been forced to extract from three provinces. The weather of this forest fire has so far burned over two million hectares, which usually runs from May to September.
Smoke plums are the heaviest above Northwestern Ontario and Central Manitoba, but has also spread to the upper midwests in the United States, according to it Environment and Climate Change Canada,
Satellite data It also shows that the smoke has crossed The Atlantic Ocean in parts of Europe, with more this week.
In exposure to wildfire smoke – especially if it is heavy and longer than long time – can cause health effects in anyone regardless of health conditions or age. But even mild wildfire can affect risk risk groups, such as old health conditions, seniors, young children and people with pregnant women.
Wildfire smoke causes irritation for most people
Wildfire is a mixture of smoke gases, water vapors and particles. Among them, Fine particles are the greatest health risksThey cannot be seen with human eye, but are associated with many health issues.
BC Center for Disease Control, a senior scientist of environmental health services, Dr. Angela Yao says that the most common symptom is irritation. This can mean a flowing nose, itchy eyes, a mild cough and headache. Most symptoms are light, and until air quality is improved.
However, “small particles or gas in smoke can actually be deeper into your lungs and can cause inflammation,” Yao said. This can increase the risk of respiratory infection like pneumonia.
Heavy smoke has become a major health concern as wildfire continues in western Canada and even in parts of the United States. The most affected places have been issued air quality alert, and people with built -in health
In more severe cases, exposure can cause breath, dizziness and heart deficiency, According to BC CDCWhich recommends medical attention.
Yao said, “For people with chronic conditions such as asthma, (chronic pulmonary heart disease), heart disease or diabetes, smoke can increase their conditions.”
A recent study published by the Journal of Environment and Technology of the American Chemical Society conducted the BC Wildfire season between 2016 and 2019. It was found that infants’ mothers were brought in contact with wildfire smoke during pregnancy. Experience is more likely Ear infection and low respiratory infection after birth.
Yao said that as a result of wildfire smoke exposure, there are “adequate evidence” on adverse births on the results of low birth weight.
How can you protect yourself?
Yao said that the search for cleaner indoor air is the most important and effective way to protect himself during a wildfire smoke event.
It is also important to keep your doors and windows closed, especially when you are operating an air purifier in your home.
“If your home or the building you are in is equipped with an HVAC system that has air cleaning functions, make sure the filters are sufficient to filter smoke, and (them) upgraded,” Yao said.
He said that if you do not have an underlying air filter in your place, you can use a portable one or make your ownWith a box fan and furnace filter.
“If it becomes very hot or very smoke in your home, consider going to public places, such as community centers, library or shopping malls, which have cleaner and cooler indoor wind,” Yao said.
He encouraged people to be aware and use local wildfire smoke forecasts. Air quality health index To evaluate whether they should limit the time spent outside during the occurrence of wildfire smoke.
Yao said, “When there is a smoke of wildfire, it is really difficult to stay indoors all the time.” “Knowing the forecast and air quality is going to be localized when we are working with such events.”
