WATCH ABOVE: University of British Columbia professor, Michael Brauer, joins Sophie and Steve via phone to talk about the potential health risks from the smoke due to the wildfires burning across B.C.
Elderly residents, young children and those with existing respiratory conditions should take extra precautions today due to the air quality index in Metro Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast.
However, everyone may experience negative health effects today due to the high air quality index rating.
The Metro Vancouver Air Quality Health Index was listed as a 10+ on Sunday evening due to the wildfires burning across B.C. On Monday morning it was downgraded to 7, but residents are still being urged to use caution.
The advisory has now been extended to the Fraser Valley and the Sea-to-Sky corridor, including Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.
People who work outside are also at risk and negative health effects increase as exposure time increases.
Those existing respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema or lung cancer; and those with existing cardiovascular conditions such as angina, previous heart attack, congestive heart failure or heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat) are sensitive to air pollution. People with diabetes are also more sensitive because they are more likely to have cardiovascular disease.
READ MORE: Our complete fire coverage
For those in need of relief from the smoke, the City of Vancouver has opened cooling centres, which include air-conditioned community centres and libraries. For a list of air-conditioned facilities and their hours of operations, visit the City’s hot weather page.
According to Environment Canada:
People who are otherwise healthy may have the following symptoms:
- irritated eyes
- increased mucus production in the nose or throat
- coughing
- difficulty breathing especially during exercise
People with existing illnesses may have the following specific symptoms:
- People with asthma or COPD may notice an increase in cough, wheezing, shortness of breath or phlegm.
- People with heart failure may experience increased shortness of breath or swelling in the ankles and feet.
- People with heart rhythm problems may notice increased fluttering in the chest and feeling light-headed.
- People with angina or coronary artery disease may have an increase in chest or arm pain.
This is a guide only – check with your doctor if you are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms.
The government has issued the following tips for people to reduce their health risk during the air advisory:
- People with heart or lung conditions should take steps to reduce their exposure to smoke and if necessary see their physician if symptoms are noted.
- Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity – if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
- Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
- Smoke levels may be lower indoors. However, elevated levels of smoke particles will still be present. If you stay indoors, be aware of your symptoms.
- Consider visiting a location like a shopping mall with cooler filtered air. Keep in mind that staying indoors may help you stay cool and provide some relief from the smoke, however many air conditioning systems do not filter the air or improve indoor air quality.
- Reduce indoor pollution sources such as smoking or burning other materials.
- You may be able to reduce your exposure to smoke by moving to cleaner air. Conditions can vary dramatically by area and elevation.
- Residents with asthma or other chronic illness should activate their asthma or personal care plan.
- Pay attention to local air quality reports, air quality may be poor even though smoke may not be visible.
Comments