Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of different air pollutants and is an important health concern for our region. As the climate warms, the number, size and duration of wildfires are expected to increase and seriously impact air quality in British Columbia. Wildfire smoke causes episodes of the worst air quality that most people will ever experience in BC.
Common symptoms from wildfire smoke exposure include:
lung irritation
eye irritation
runny nose
sore throat
wheezing
mild cough
and headaches.
More severe symptoms, needing medical attention, include:
shortness of breath
severe cough
dizziness
chest pain
or heart palpitations.
People with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, as well as pregnant women, infants, and young children are especially sensitive to health effects of wildfire smoke and should take extra care.
Reducing exposure to wildfire smoke is the best way to protect health. Further information on the health effects of wildfire smoke, how to prepare for the season and the use of portable air cleaners for wildfire smoke can be found at the links below.
During the summer months both wildfire smoke and heat can be a health concern. Find out more about heat, visit our heat webpage.
Health effects of wildfire smoke
How to prepare for the wildfire smoke season
Portable air cleaners for wildfire smoke
Residential care facilities and wildfire smoke
Child care facilities and wildfire smoke
Additional fact sheets from the BCCDC