Smoke Exposure a Concern

By 250 News

        With forest fires burning throughout B.C. ,Interior Health is cautioning people living or traveling near areas of fire activity that smoke conditions and local air pollution levels can change quickly because of the unpredictable nature of the fires.

People with ongoing health issues, such as those with heart or lung conditions may be more sensitive to the effects of and should watch for any change in symptoms that might be due to smoke exposure. If any symptoms are noticed, affected individuals should reduce their exposure to smoke and if necessary see their doctor or the local walk-in clinic. People with severe symptoms should go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Interior Health offers this advice reduce the health effects of smoke in the air:

• Use common sense regarding outdoor activity – if breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
• Stay cool and drink lots of fluids.  If you stay indoors be aware of exposure or visit a location like a shopping mall with cooler air.  Staying  indoors may help stay cool and provide some relief from the smoke, but many air conditioning systems do not filter the air completely or improve indoor air quality.
• 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.

If you need more information about smoke and your health, contact the BC Health Guide Nurseline, available toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-215-4700. For deaf or hearing impaired, call 1-866-TTY-4700.

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