How to Avoid Health Risks from Wildfire Smoke

Kent Morrison: As the long weekend approaches, many are planning to head to Alberta parks while taking into account the current wildfire situation. Even if you are not going to areas where the flames are active, you should be aware of the risk. Family physician Dr. Stephanie Liu is with us this morning. People may be in areas that have recently burned. Is it a risk to walk through trees that have burned, but the flames are gone?

Doctor Stephanie Liu: Yes, there can be potential damage. That’s because homes or trees that are damaged by wildfires are structurally more unstable. Roofs can collapse, walls can collapse, trees can fall over as well. That’s something to watch out for. Another thing is ash residue, when you inhale it, it can cause lung problems and it can also be harmful to your skin. When there have been recent fires, there can still be hot spots or smoldering embers that are there that can reignite. Be careful if you’re in those areas.

KnowsPeople are becoming more and more accustomed to dealing with smoke in the summer. But what exactly is it about forest fire smoke that is so dangerous to us?

Doctor Liu: It is a mixture of gas and fine particles. They can damage your eyes and lungs and make people with existing heart and lung problems worse. Symptoms that people can get are headaches, it can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. It can cause coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and even a tight feeling in the chest.

Knows: We often have air quality statements, but you could go outside and think, “This smells okay,” but it’s not necessarily what we can smell. We still need to pay attention to those warnings.

Doctor Liu: You’re absolutely right. Another thing that patients have said to me is, “Dr. Liu, I’m so far from the fire. Should I be worried?” Well, that may be true, because smoke from wildfires can travel great distances and affect areas where there aren’t even any fires. If you can’t smell it or even see it, the air quality can still be very poor.

Knows: What is the best way to protect ourselves when there is smoke in the air?

Doctor Liu: If the air quality is really bad, it’s safest to stay indoors. Air filters can also help. If you really have to go outside, make sure you wear a well-fitting N95 mask before you go out, as that can help filter out some of those fine particles.