Prepare now for wildfire smoke in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Health advises
Wildfire smoke has so far not made its way to Metro Vancouver this summer, but one of the health authorities that serves the region is urging residents to prepare for smoky skies now.
Air quality can change quickly during the summer months, Fraser Health said in a news release Tuesday. The health authority stretches from Burnaby to Boston Bar, serving several cities in Metro Vancouver, as well as the Fraser Valley.
“As we anticipate our region will be impacted by wildfire smoke, I encourage those at higher risk to plan ahead, including identifying a place to go that has cleaner air,” said Dr. Ingrid Tyler, Fraser Health's executive medical director of population and public health, in the release.
“Wildfire smoke can travel long distances and can cause serious health effects in some people," Tyler added. "Different people respond differently to wildfire smoke and some people are at higher risk of having health effects so it is important to be aware of people in your household who are more sensitive.”
The health authority recommends checking medications, especially rescue medications for breathing, to ensure an adequate supply is available now, before any potential exposure to smoky air.
Fraser Health also recommends keeping windows and doors closed, if possible, using a portable HEPA air cleaner, staying hydrated, reducing strenuous activity and time spent outdoors, and paying attention to air quality reports in the coming days.
Wildfire smoke can be especially harmful to older adults, infants, young children, people who are pregnant and people with chronic conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart disease, according to the health authority.
Common effects of wildfire smoke can include lung irritation, eye irritation, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, and mild cough, Fraser Health said, adding that those who experience severe symptoms - such as shortness of breath, severe cough, dizziness, chest discomfort, heart palpitations or wheezing - should seek medical attention immediately.
As of Wednesday, there were 299 fires burning across B.C., and more than 1,100 had been sparked so far this wildfire season.
More information on wildfire smoke and the health risks associated with it can be found on the B.C. Centre for Disease Control website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.