Wildfire smoke makes it hard for many to catch their breath
Officials say increased number of people in B.C. seeking medical treatment for respiratory conditions
Thick smoke blanketing the Okanagan from wildfires across the province is increasing breathing problems for many people, but it’s not likely to negatively affect healthy people in the long term, say officials.
On Tuesday afternoon, the air quality index in the Central Okanagan was at seven out of 10, indicating a high health risk.
The air quality index was expected to decrease to six today, indicating a moderate health risk.
“Right now there’s so much smoke coming from so many different areas, and the weather conditions are a bit stagnant, so there’s not a lot of movement — there’s nowhere for it to go,” said Donna Haga, air quality meteorologist with the B.C. Ministry of Environment. “I think it’s going to stay smoky for the next few days, but I cannot predict beyond that point.”
An increased number of people are accessing medical care for respiratory conditions across the province, said Dr. Bonnie Henry, deputy provincial health officer.
“When it’s smoky, you’re breathing it in, and it can cause local irritation to the eyes, throat, lungs, and then it can cause more systemic inflammation across your body,” said Dr. Sarah Henderson, senior scientist with the BC Centre for Disease Control. “Your body treats smoke like a foreign invader, but it can’t kill smoke like it can bacterium or viruses.”
Inflammation is caused by particles from the smoke entering the bloodstream, said Henderson.
“It’s those small particles that cause the most problems, and the fact that you can’t stop breathing. You can’t really get away from it.”
Drinking water can help reduce inflammation, she said.
Exposure to smoke can lead to increased risk of heart attacks and cardiac arrest, particularly among people with pre-existing heart conditions, said Henderson.
“The people we’re concerned most about during smoky conditions is anyone with any pre-existing chronic health condition,” she said. “We don’t expect extended periods of wildfire smoke to have long-term health impacts for healthy people.”
Henderson does advise that people seek cleaner air if the smoke is bothering them.
Buildings such as shopping malls, community centres and libraries tend to have better indoor air quality because they have larger air filtration systems, she said.
“You can also create a little clean-air shelter in your home by buying a portable air quality filter.”
To minimize the effects of smoke, Henderson said she stresses people take it easy.
“The harder you’re breathing, the more smoke you’re inhaling,” said Henderson. “Smoky times are a really good time to be pretty lazy.”