Northern Health advises residents of Bulkley Valley, Vanderhoof and Prince George areas that smoke from forest fires in the region can pose a potential health risk, especially for children and people with chronic conditions.
The key is to reduce your exposure to the smoke and contaminants in areas where air quality is less than ideal.
Smoke from forest fires can cause irritation of eyes, throat or the respiratory tract. Some people may be more sensitive to the effects of wood smoke and may experience symptoms at concentrations of smoke that are easily tolerated by others. Both the particles and gases found in wood smoke can affect health, although particles are likely responsible for most effects.
People who have heart disease or lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma may experience worsening of their symptoms. Since children breathe more rapidly than adults, they may be a sensitive group.
To reduce exposure and prevent symptoms:
**Seek areas with lower smoke concentrations. Depending on the prevailing smoke conditions, this could be as simple as avoiding the smoke plume, finding a relatively smoke-free indoor environment in a building or vehicle, or temporarily relocating to a location with less smoke.
**Stay indoors in a sealed building with filtered central air conditioning systems
**Travelling in air conditioned vehicles with effective filtration systems or with air conditioning operating on a 're-circulate' mode can provide an environment with lower smoke concentrations.
**Simple dust masks are unlikely to provide much reduction in exposure to fine particles or gaseous pollutants. The more sophisticated masks that do provide protection against fine particles require fit testing and fit checking to be effective, and may require increased effort to breathe.
**Activity should be reduced if it worsens symptoms.
**Seek medical attention for severe symptoms.
For more information on air quality and your health, call HealthLink BC toll free at 8-1-1, or go online at www.healthlinkbc.ca. Registered nurses at HealthLink BC can provide confidential non-emergency health advice and information, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
