In recent years, wildfires have surged in frequency, intensity, and size, becoming a seasonal reality across many regions of North America. The damage they cause to forests, homes, and communities is devastating, but one of the most widespread and often overlooked consequences is their impact on air quality. Long after the flames are extinguished, wildfire smoke can linger in the atmosphere, seeping into homes, businesses, and other buildings, affecting the health of millions of people far beyond the fire zone.
So, what exactly is in wildfire smoke? How does it affect our indoor environments, and more importantly, what can you do when the air outside becomes a health hazard?
What’s in Wildfire Smoke?
Wildfire smoke is a complex mix of gases and fine particles that are released when wood and other organic materials burn. One of the most concerning components is particulate matter that’s 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter, also known as PM2.5. These tiny particles are so small they can bypass the body's natural defenses, making their way deep into the lungs and even into the bloodstream.
In addition to PM2.5, wildfire smoke can contain carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides, and a variety of other harmful chemicals, especially if homes, vehicles, or industrial sites are involved in the fire.
How Wildfires Affect Outdoor and Indoor Air Quality
When a wildfire burns, the smoke can travel hundreds, even thousands, of kilometers, affecting communities nowhere near the fire itself. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which measures the health risk associated with air pollution, often spikes during these events.
While outdoor air quality clearly suffers, many people don’t realize just how much of that pollution can make its way indoors. Homes and buildings are not perfectly sealed environments. Smoke can infiltrate through doors, windows, vents, and even small cracks in walls or foundations. Once inside, the particles can settle on furniture, carpeting, and air ducts, leading to lingering indoor air quality issues even after the skies appear to clear.
This is particularly concerning because people tend to spend around 90% of their time indoors, especially during periods of poor air quality. So even if you're inside with the windows closed, you're not necessarily protected from wildfire smoke.
Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke
The health risks of breathing in wildfire smoke vary depending on a person’s age, health condition, and level of exposure. Some common short-term symptoms include:
But for those with pre-existing conditions, like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease, the effects can be far more serious. Children, older adults, and pregnant people are also at increased risk.
Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter, even in lower concentrations, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, and even some cancers. And while most people recover quickly after a brief exposure, repeated or extended contact with wildfire smoke can cause lasting damage.
What to Do When the Air Quality Health Index is High
When the Air Quality Health Index rises to high or very high levels, it's important to take immediate steps to protect yourself and your household:
1. Stay Informed
Monitor the AQHI regularly through trusted sources like Environment Canada, local weather apps, or public health websites. Pay attention to public health advisories.
2. Stay Indoors
When smoke levels are high, try to remain indoors with windows and doors closed. Avoid strenuous activity outside, particularly exercise or physical labour.
3. Seal Your Space
Improve your home’s airtightness by sealing gaps around windows and doors. Use weather stripping and door sweeps to reduce smoke infiltration.
4. Use an Air Purifier
A HEPA filter air purifier can significantly reduce indoor particulate levels. Make sure it's appropriately sized for the room and that the filters are replaced regularly.
5. Run HVAC Wisely
If you have central air conditioning, set it to recirculate mode to prevent outdoor air from being drawn in. Consider adding a high-efficiency filter to your system for more effective filtration.
A Growing Concern
As climate change continues to intensify, experts predict that wildfire seasons will grow longer and more severe. This means poor air quality may become a recurring challenge, one that communities, businesses, and households must prepare for year-round, not just during the summer months.
Wildfires may seem like distant disasters, especially if you live in cities far from forests or rural areas, but the smoke doesn’t respect boundaries. It can travel across provinces, over cities, and right through your front door.
The impact of wildfires goes far beyond the burn zone. Smoke-filled skies are now a recurring reality for millions, and the air we breathe, both outside and inside, is increasingly under threat. While you can't stop wildfires yourself, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and indoor air quality.
Understanding the risks, staying informed, and creating a clean indoor environment can make all the difference. Because when the air outside turns toxic, your home should be your safe haven, not just another place where the smoke settles in.
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