Are you worried about wildfire smoke and how it might impact your health?
If you have questions or concerns, you’re in luck because the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is holding a one-day workshop in Prince George next week on preparing for wildfire season and smoke.
Sarah Henderson, a senior scientist with environmental health at BCCDC and a wildfire smoke expert, is speaking at the workshop, while also urging people to take steps to protect themselves and their families from smoke/air pollution in advance of wildfire season.
She says that while smoke from wildfires is sporadic, it’s the most severe pollution that most people in Canada will face.
The BCCDC has also created a new series of fact sheets to help people learn about the health effects of wildfire smoke and how to prepare.
The three fact sheets on health effects, how to prepare for wildfire smoke season, and portable air cleaners for wildfire smoke are available online.
The workshop itself takes place on Tuesday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Prince George Civic Centre.
The event is free to attend and you can register online.
The day starts with a presentation by Henderson, followed by presentations about indoor air filtration, speech from Gail Roth from the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and Peter Fairman from WorkSafe B.C.
Lunch will also be provided.
If you can’t attend the session you can also read more about preparing for the wildfire season on the BCCDC website.
