PF5
Deputy
Air quality: How to protect yourself from Canada wildfire smoke BBC
Millions of people in North America have been warned about the health risks of poor air quality, as toxic wildfire smoke from Canada drifts across the continent.
This will be a worrying problem for many and one that may persist for several days.
Air quality updates have become a routine part of many weather forecasts, and the US government has a site where you can check the air quality in your local area.
Canadians can check local conditions here.
Another useful tool is IQAir's updated rankings for air quality in major metro areas around the world.
AQI indicates how clean or polluted the air is around you. The index runs from 0-500 and the higher the number, the worse it is for your health. Anything from 151-200 is designated as "unhealthy".
It should fit tightly to your face to work well as a filter. They are not designed to fit children though, officials caution. They can also make it more difficult for people with certain lung conditions to breathe, says William Barrett, who advises people to check first before using them.
You may consider using a portable air purifier or cleaner in your home or workplace, according to the CDC. These help remove airborne particles, called aerosols, from the air indoors.
(here we go again, CDC telling us to wear masks...they can't tell us what to do!!) lol
It can cause:
Inhaling it can also make your heart have to work harder, raising your pulse, and can sometimes cause chest pain, Prof Adams says.
William Barrett from the American Lung Association says there is a range of negative health effects from breathing in smoke, dust and fine particles.
"They can get deep into our lungs and actually bypass most of the body's defences and they can create a whole range of negative health consequences for the respiratory system," he says. "But also these particles can cross into the bloodstream and actually have an impact on cardiovascular health."
Older people, pregnant women and young children, as well as those with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or asthma, are more likely to get sick.
Even someone who is healthy can struggle if they are exposed to high levels, though.
WOW...
Millions of people in North America have been warned about the health risks of poor air quality, as toxic wildfire smoke from Canada drifts across the continent.
This will be a worrying problem for many and one that may persist for several days.
Air quality updates have become a routine part of many weather forecasts, and the US government has a site where you can check the air quality in your local area.
Canadians can check local conditions here.
Another useful tool is IQAir's updated rankings for air quality in major metro areas around the world.
AQI indicates how clean or polluted the air is around you. The index runs from 0-500 and the higher the number, the worse it is for your health. Anything from 151-200 is designated as "unhealthy".
Should I wear a mask or use an air purifier?
Follow the advice for your local area. You can reduce your smoke exposure by wearing an N95 respirator mask - but you have to make sure you wear it correctly.It should fit tightly to your face to work well as a filter. They are not designed to fit children though, officials caution. They can also make it more difficult for people with certain lung conditions to breathe, says William Barrett, who advises people to check first before using them.
You may consider using a portable air purifier or cleaner in your home or workplace, according to the CDC. These help remove airborne particles, called aerosols, from the air indoors.
(here we go again, CDC telling us to wear masks...they can't tell us what to do!!) lol
What are the symptoms of smoke exposure?
Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.It can cause:
- cough
- headache
- scratchy throat
- runny nose
- stinging eyes
- irritated sinuses
- wheezing and shortness of breath
Inhaling it can also make your heart have to work harder, raising your pulse, and can sometimes cause chest pain, Prof Adams says.
William Barrett from the American Lung Association says there is a range of negative health effects from breathing in smoke, dust and fine particles.
"They can get deep into our lungs and actually bypass most of the body's defences and they can create a whole range of negative health consequences for the respiratory system," he says. "But also these particles can cross into the bloodstream and actually have an impact on cardiovascular health."
Older people, pregnant women and young children, as well as those with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or asthma, are more likely to get sick.
Even someone who is healthy can struggle if they are exposed to high levels, though.
