Wildfires across Canada continue to impact communities well beyond the areas where the fires are burning. As smoke travels hundreds—even thousands—of miles, air quality can deteriorate rapidly across large portions of North America, creating health concerns for businesses, employees, and families alike.
Even if you are far from an active wildfire, changing wind patterns can carry fine smoke particles into your community with little warning. Monitoring local air quality and understanding how wildfire smoke affects your health are important steps in protecting yourself and those around you.
Why Wildfire Smoke Is a Concern
Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of gases and microscopic particles, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These tiny particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and, in some cases, enter the bloodstream.
Exposure to wildfire smoke may cause:
- Coughing or sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Increased asthma symptoms
- Irritation of the nose and throat
Individuals with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions may experience more severe symptoms. Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people who work outdoors are also at greater risk.
Air Quality Should Be Taken Seriously
Poor air quality isn’t always easy to recognize. Smoke may be visible on the horizon, or it may simply create a hazy sky while harmful particles remain suspended in the air.
Before spending extended time outdoors, check your local Air Quality Index (AQI) or Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). As air quality worsens, consider postponing strenuous outdoor activities and reducing unnecessary exposure.
Employers with outdoor workers should closely monitor air quality conditions throughout the day and adjust work schedules when necessary. Providing additional breaks, encouraging hydration, and allowing employees to move indoors during periods of poor air quality can help reduce exposure.
Protecting Your Eyes
Wildfire smoke doesn’t only affect your lungs—it can also irritate your eyes.
Common symptoms include:
- Redness
- Burning or stinging
- Excessive tearing
- Dryness
- Itching
- Blurred vision
If you must be outdoors during smoky conditions, wraparound sunglasses can help reduce irritation from airborne particles. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation. Preservative-free artificial tears may also provide temporary relief.
Contact lens wearers may find it more comfortable to switch to glasses until air quality improves.
Protecting Your Lungs
Reducing exposure is the most effective way to protect your respiratory system.
Consider these precautions:
- Stay indoors when air quality reaches unhealthy levels.
- Keep windows and doors closed whenever possible.
- Use high-efficiency air filters or portable HEPA air purifiers to improve indoor air quality.
- Limit strenuous outdoor exercise during smoky conditions.
- If outdoor work is unavoidable, follow your organization’s safety procedures and monitor for signs of respiratory distress.
Anyone experiencing persistent difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe coughing, or worsening respiratory symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
Business Considerations
Wildfire smoke can also affect normal business operations. Reduced visibility, outdoor work restrictions, transportation delays, and unhealthy air quality may require employers to modify schedules or temporarily change work practices.
Organizations should review their emergency response plans, communicate air quality updates with employees, and establish procedures for protecting workers when smoke conditions deteriorate.
Stay Informed and Stay Prepared
Wildfire smoke can travel great distances, making air quality an issue even for communities far removed from the fires themselves. Staying informed through trusted weather and air quality resources allows individuals and businesses to make informed decisions that prioritize health and safety.
By monitoring local conditions, limiting exposure during periods of poor air quality, and taking simple protective measures, everyone can help reduce the health impacts of wildfire smoke and remain safer throughout wildfire season.
