When that eerie, orange haze takes over our blue summer skies and the smell of campfire lingers, it’s hard not to feel worried. Wildfire season has become an unsettling reality that puts climate change and it’s increasing impact on daily life front and center. And while we can't control the winds outside, it should provide a bit of relief that we can take charge of the air we breathe in our homes.
At the end of a long day of watching the sun disappear through haze, you may return to your comforting home and find yourself wondering if your indoor air is still actually still safe. And if you’re wondering what immediate steps you can take to keep you and your family protected – keep reading. In this blog, we’ll break down how smoke impacts our health, how to read air quality warnings, and 10 easy, actionable steps you can take right now to improve your home’s air quality and breathe a little bit easier.
Why Wildfire Smoke Affects Your Health
Wildfire smoke can have detrimental affects on our short-term and long-term health, and it’s particularly those who are most vulnerable we should all look out for. This includes children, older adults, people with existing heart or lung conditions and people who spend significant time outdoors. Smoke is made up of gases, particles, and water vapour, but it’s the particles that pose the most risk to our health. No amount of smoke is deemed safe, and even low levels can have negative effects even if we don’t see or smell the smoke. From mild symptoms such headaches and coughs, to more severe warning signs such as chest pain, it’s always important to listen to your body and talk to a doctor about your concerns or seek immediate medical attention in the event of a medical emergency. For more information on the health risks of Wildfire smoke, learn more from Health Canada.
At this point, you’ve probably heard enough about the dangers, so let’s get started on some information to help us understand the systems in place to help inform the public of when to take precautions.
The AQHI
Canada issues air quality warnings to alert the public when to take precautions to protect our health. It uses a system called AQHI (Air Quality Health Index) and it’s especially important to keep an eye on this in the event that wildfire smoke is present. AQHI measures Ozone, Nitrogen dioxide and Particulate matter, and rates the air quality on a scale of 1 to 10+ (where higher numbers mean worse air quality and greater risk.) The alert system for the public uses color to indicate the air quality. The warning alerts that the AQHI provides include:
- Yellow warning – which indicates ‘High Risk’ with air quality measured at a 7 or greater.
- Orange warning – which indicates ‘Highest Risk’ with air quality measured at a 10+
The government of Canada recommends that when air quality is in the range of 7-10 to take these precautions:
- Reduce the length or intensity level of activities
- Consider rescheduling if the event involves people at higher risk and strenuous physical activities
In the event air quality reaches 10+, Cancel or reschedule events and activities.
Check out the full table of risk categories to learn the in’s and out’s of what both vulnerable and general populations should consider when it comes to activities.
If you want to check the daily AQHI for Toronto, visit their official website: Here.
If you want to do a deep dive, you can even see how the wildfire smoke is expected to move and evolve across North America thanks to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Air Quality Forecast Maps.
Raise your hand if you’re still stressed out! Now. Moving on, let’s move on to the good stuff: What you can do in this moment.
Here are 7 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Smoke Events:
- Keep Windows and Doors Closed (No-brainer. I’m on it!)
- Take a look at your air filters and replace them if they are old. If they are clogged already, they will be less efficient at keeping smoke particles out of your home. (Let’s see..)
- Aim to use the highest quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle based on the manufacturer's recommendations. (Let’s DO this.)
- If you have access to one, use an air purifier. It will help filter fine particles. (Okay, cool. Let’s learn more.)
- You could also convert a box fan into a DIY air filter. (Wow, had no idea!)
- Try not to use exhaust fans, such as bathroom fans. (Got it!)
- Turn off any Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) which are designed to bring fresh outdoor air into your home. Run Air Conditioning Safely. (Check!)
How to Protect Your Mental Health During Wildfire Season:
Don't forget to take care of your mental health. It’s no doubt that climate change takes a toll on our stress, and when the effects are at our doorstep we feel it even more.
- Try to stay calm, focus on what you can control and the positives in your life.
- Connect with family, friends, even neighbors.
- Make your voice heard! Contact your elected officials, and stress that this is NOT normal. Share how it’s impacting you.
- Learn more about climate change using MPL’s collections and digital resources. Check out our Lendery to cut down on waste. The more we know about the earth, the better advocates we can be for it!
Dealing with wildfire smoke can feel overwhelming, but taking small, practical steps inside your home makes a genuine difference in protecting you and your family's health. Stay safe, stay informed, and take care of yourselves!
Check out the climate resiliency and environmental advocacy reads below to keep the learning going.
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