Staying indoors, limiting exposure to the smoke and being aware of the Air Quality Health Index rating is the advice one health official has for dealing with the wildfire smoke that is blanketing the region.
Medical Officer of Health for the Alberta Health Services South Zone, Dr. Allison Gonsalves says wildfire smoke would be considered high on the numerical index, ranging anywhere from seven to 10 plus. She explains this rating would be because of the particulate matter and gasses that are part of wildfire smoke’s chemical makeup contain toxins. While some studies show that using a respirator such as an N95 mask is helpful; Gonsalves says it is not a completely protective device because it filters out some of the finer particulate matter but not the gasses.
“In regard to the air quality, if it gets really bad, in regards to the wildfire smoke, you really want to try to stay indoors and close your windows and close your doors.”
“If you have air conditioning it is important if you can keep that on and keep the fresh air intake closed, to make sure you aren’t getting that outdoor air into your homes.”
She explains that it is important to make use of the Air Quality Index that Environment Canada has because it can help you better understand if you should be rescheduling your activities or moving them indoors. The rating system is said to take into consideration the general population and also those who are considered to be at risk.
“A higher number leads to a higher risk or a greater potential health risk. – For example, people who are elderly, people with chronic medical conditions such as heart issues and lung issues.”
“The long term effects of wildfire smoke is it can really irritate the lungs and airwaves, it can make it harder to breathe and it can worsen chronic heart issues and respiratory issues.”
She adds there is no safe threshold for the amount of wildfire smoke someone can be exposed to because of the gases in the chemical compound.