Wildfire Smoke: What You Should Know

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This post is a summary of a recent article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).

Wildfire seasons in Canada are becoming longer and more intense. Smoke from these fires doesn’t just reduce visibility—it can affect your health, even if you’re many kilometres away from the fire itself.

Exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to a range of adverse health outcomes. Studies have found increases in asthma-related hospital visits, emergency department visits for respiratory and cardiac conditions, and even a small increase in non-traumatic deaths during periods of wildfire smoke.

Who is most at risk?

• Children

• Older adults

• Pregnant individuals

• People with asthma, COPD, or heart disease

• Anyone who spends extended time outdoors

Understanding the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)

The AQHI tells you how outdoor air may affect your health:

• 1–3 (Low Risk): Enjoy your normal outdoor activities.

• 4–6 (Moderate Risk): Consider reducing prolonged outdoor activity if you’re sensitive to air pollution.

• 7–10 (High Risk): Sensitive individuals should reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Others should consider limiting prolonged exertion.

• 10+ (Very High Risk): Everyone should reduce outdoor exposure, especially strenuous activities.

On smoky days, it’s a good idea to keep windows closed, use air filtration if available, and postpone strenuous outdoor exercise until air quality improves.

A quick check of the AQHI before heading outside can help you make healthier decisions for yourself and your family.

Source: Summary of Ghodsi E, Aloosh M. “Wildfire smoke.” Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), June 17, 2024.