As wildfires continue to burn out of control in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, tens of thousands of residents — along with people in nearby areas — are facing growing health risks from thick smoke.
So far, more than 25,000 people have been forced to evacuate. Over two million hectares have burned during this wildfire season, which typically lasts from May to September.
Smoke from the fires is concentrated over northwestern Ontario and central Manitoba. But it has also drifted into the Upper Midwest of the United States, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. Satellite images show the smoke has even reached parts of Europe, with more expected to spread in the coming days.
Smoke Exposure Carries Health Risks
Wildfire smoke can harm anyone, regardless of age or health. Even short-term or light exposure can affect people with chronic health conditions, seniors, young children, and pregnant women.
Dr. Angela Yao, a senior scientist with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, said that smoke often causes irritation. Common symptoms include runny noses, itchy eyes, mild coughing, and headaches. These symptoms are usually not serious and tend to improve when the air quality gets better.
However, the fine particles in wildfire smoke — too small to see — pose a serious risk. “These tiny particles and gases can reach deep into your lungs and cause inflammation,” said Yao. This can lead to respiratory infections like pneumonia.
In more serious cases, people may experience shortness of breath, dizziness, or heart palpitations. Those symptoms should prompt medical attention, the B.C. CDC advised.
Yao added that wildfire smoke can make chronic conditions worse. People with asthma, heart disease, chronic lung disease, or diabetes are especially vulnerable.
A study published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal looked at wildfire seasons in British Columbia from 2016 to 2019. It found that babies born to mothers who were exposed to wildfire smoke were more likely to suffer from ear infections and lower respiratory infections. Yao said other studies have also linked smoke exposure during pregnancy to lower birth weights and other negative outcomes.
How to Stay Safe
Dr. Yao said the best way to protect yourself is to stay indoors and keep the air inside as clean as possible.
Keep doors and windows closed. Use air purifiers if you have them. If your home has a heating or cooling system (HVAC) with air filters, make sure the filters can remove smoke particles. Consider upgrading them if needed.
If your home doesn’t have air filtering systems, use a portable purifier or make a homemade one using a box fan and furnace filters.
“If it becomes too hot or smoky indoors, visit public places like community centres, malls, or libraries,” Yao said. These spaces often have better air quality and are cooler.
She also urged people to check wildfire smoke forecasts and use the Air Quality Health Index to decide whether it’s safe to be outside.
“When smoke lasts for days, it’s tough to stay inside all the time,” Yao said. “Knowing what the air quality is like in your area is key to staying safe.”
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