Wildfire Smoke & Lung Health
Every year, fire season in BC seems to be getting more extreme, causing some of the worst air quality in BC, and causing health problems for those with and without chronic lung disease.
After the Wildfire
Indoor smoke residues and cleaning considerations
With wildfires and heavy smoke affecting communities across BC, many people may soon be returning to homes that have been exposed to smoke, ash and soot.
Wildfire smoke pollutants can get into indoor environments and land on surfaces, be absorbed into common household materials. These pollutants can later be released back into indoor air over time.
Without proper cleaning, some pollutants can remain indoors for weeks or even months after a wildfire.
If you’ve been affected by wildfire smoke in BC, here are some tips to help you safely clean your home and protect your lungs. Check out our infographic.
Wildfire Smoke and Lung Health Webinar
The BC Lung Air Quality and Health Steering Committee presents:
How Wildfire Smoke Differs from TRAP: Emerging Evidence
Dr. Chris Carlsten, Director of Centre for Lung Health
Mitigating Exposure, Effects and Susceptibility from Wildfire Smoke
Dr. Emily Brigham, UBC Division of Respiratory Medicine
Trusted Resources
The following are excellent, evidence-based resources to help you understand and protect your health from wildfire smoke:
DIY Air Cleaners
Building Resilience to Emerging Airborne Threats and Heat Events. Simon Fraser University is working with the BC Lung Foundation to host the BREATHE Project, a community-based initiative that teaches community leaders and members how to build DIY air cleaners to improve their indoor air quality.
More Wildfire Resources & Tips
Check for air quality advisories at the BC Government’s page for air quality advisories and Smoky Skies Bulletins, which is updated at least once every 24 hours when fires are actively burning.
The Air Quality and Health Index (AQHI) maps for all of BC or for Metro Vancouver provide health-specific messaging for smoky conditions.
If you live somewhere without an AQHI reading, check the current map of fine particulate matter concentrations or PM2.5.
The FireWork Smoke Forecast shows predicted ground-level PM2.5 impacts over the next 48 hours.
The BC Wildfire Service map of active wildfires can help you keep track here fires are burning, especially during hot and windy weather when fires can start and spread rapidly.
Extreme wildfires often occur when it is very hot outside, which can also affect your health. Sign up for EC Alert Me through Environment Canada to receive email warnings from the national weather office about extreme temperatures and other important weather events.
Install the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) Canada app for notifications when air quality changes on your Android or on your iOS device.
Portable air cleaners certified in the State of California are subject to higher standards than those sold elsewhere. All units on the list certified by the California Air Resources Board are also tested for electrical safety and low ozone emissions, and some may be available for purchase in Canada.
