2024 is projected to be a hot and smoky summer

Background:

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gases which can affect health, most importantly PM2.5. Smoke levels can vary significantly with weather and conditions.

With already dry conditions in most part of B.C., the hot and dry conditions in the spring and summer are likely to lead to significant wildfire activity and smoky skies. This guidance is meant to help you counsel your patients to prepare for wildfire smoke and reduce their health risk from wildfire smoke.

KNOW who is at higher risk:

• Older adults and people with underlying respiratory (e.g., asthma, COPD) and/or cardiovascular disease
• Infants, children, and pregnant people
• People experiencing poverty or housing insecurity
• People who work or exercise outdoors (higher risk with more vigorous exercise)

ASK about preparedness:

• Are they aware of the risks of wildfire smoke on health? Have they prepared for wildfire smoke?

ADVISE on checking air quality to take action

• Monitor for Special Air Quality Advisories on the web (Environment Canada) and download the WeatherCAN app:
  • An Air Quality Advisory is issued during a period of actual or forecasted poor air quality, and indicates actions to protect health should be taken.
• Monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI):
• AQHI considers the levels of nitrogen dioxide, ozone and PM2.5 in the air and the corresponding risk this has to health. Based on the concentrations of the three pollutants, appropriate health messaging is provided.
• Note: Evidence demonstrates that even moderately elevated PM2.5 can result in harm.

ASSIST / counsel on preparedness and action

Create or adjust management plans to prevent and manage exacerbations of underlying health conditions:

• Create/update a chronic disease action plan for COPD, asthma and heart disease
• Provide an adequate supply of rescue medications

Counsel your patients on what they can do:

• Buy or make air cleaners:
  • Portable air cleaners: Appliances should be certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and have HEPA filtration.
  • Do-it-yourself air cleaners: These can work nearly as well as commercial portable air cleaners when constructed and used properly, and they cost less.
• Reduce exposure to smoke:
  • Stay indoors, close doors and windows, and run an air cleaner if available
    On hotter days, however, staying cool is a priority especially for those patients susceptible to heat-related injury and illness. In this case, for patients who do not have access to clean and cool air, prioritize staying cool such as opening windows at night if required
  • Set ventilation systems to re-circulating mode (ex. in cars)
  • Reduce sources of indoor air pollution (activities that increase indoor air pollution: smoking, vaping, burning candles, incense or fuels)
  • Reduce physical activity outdoors
  • Seek out clean air shelters in community (ex. libraries, community centers, shopping malls) or stay with friends or family who use air cleaners
  • Consider a well-fitted N95, KN95, KF94 mask if you must be outside
• Check in with loved ones and friends at higher risk of health effects from smoke, and especially those living alone
• Monitor their health:
  • Always carry rescue medications, if prescribed
  • If mild symptoms occur (mild cough, rhinorrhea, eye and throat irritation, headache), seek cleaner air spaces in community spaces or at home if using an air cleaner
  • If severe symptoms occur (dyspnea, severe cough, chest pain and palpitations), seek medical attention
• Provide this infographic to patients who would like more information