Smoke from wildfires: How to protect your health

VIDEO: Wildfire Smoke - Protect your health

Video transcript

Wildfire smoke contains many pollutants that can cause serious health effects.

Protect yourself , stay inside, close windows and doors and use quality air filters to clean indoor air.

Stay informed about wildfire smoke, air quality and your health:.

Download the WeatherCAN app or visit us online at Canada.ca/wildfire-smoke

What to do to protect your health from wildfire smoke

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Sealing your windows and doors can help to keep harmful smoke out of your home. Follow the smoke forecasts and do the sealing before the air is smoky, if possible, so that you do not accidentally trap smoke inside.
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Caption

Sealing your windows and doors can help to keep harmful smoke out of your home. Follow the smoke forecasts and do the sealing before the air is smoky, if possible, so that you do not accidentally trap smoke inside.
Image

Caption

Sealing your windows and doors can help to keep harmful smoke out of your home. Follow the smoke forecasts and do the sealing before the air is smoky, if possible, so that you do not accidentally trap smoke inside.

Listen carefully to public notices and warnings about the presence of smoke or the air quality.
Stay indoors as much as possible when there is smoke. Seal your windows and doors. Put the ventilation system into recirculate to keep the smoke outside.
Avoid heavy outdoor physical activity if there is smoke or if you are having a hard time breathing. Plan your outdoor activities for when the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is lower.
Wearing a well-fitted N95 mask can provide some protection from smoke if you do need to go outside.
If you have a breathing condition (e.g., asthma), make sure you have your medication on hand.
Check in on others who may have trouble with smoke.

Elder walking with child at walking out ceremony

Smoke bothers some people more than others

Some people are at higher risk of health problems when exposed to forest fire smoke.

Smoke is more likely to bother the following people:

Elders
People with existing illness or chronic health conditions such as:
- breathing problems (asthma, bronchitis, on home-assisted ventilation, restricted breathing capacity, emphysema, etc...)
- heart conditions
- cancer
- diabetes
pregnant people
infants and young children
people who do heavy outdoor work or exercise

Symptoms of smoke exposure

Milder and more serious symptoms

Milder and more common symptoms of smoke exposure include:

eye, nose, and throat irritation
a mild cough
a runny nose
production of phlegm
headaches

These symptoms can typically be managed without medical intervention. If you have questions, please call 811.

More serious symptoms include:

wheezing (including asthma attacks)
shortness of breath
severe cough
dizziness
heart palpitations (irregular heartbeat)
chest pains.

If you have any of these serious symptoms, call your CMC or seek urgent medical attention.

Pets

Pets can also be affected by forest fire smoke. To protect your pet from the detrimental effects of smoke, keep your pets indoors as much as possible when it is smokey out.