Wildfire Smoke and Health

In the District of Thunder Bay, the most common threat to air quality is wildfire smoke. The role of TBDHU is to raise awareness and provide information about this health concern. This page has information on steps you can take to protect your health during wildfire season and reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke.

Wildfire Smoke

The smoke from wildfires contains gases and fine particles.. This includes toxic gases like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and ozone. These are bad for our health, even at low levels. The mix of gases varies based on the wildfire conditions, weather, and other human emissions such as traffic-related air pollution.

Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds and even thousands of kilometers—so even when we don’t have local wildfires, we can get wildfire smoke from other parts of the province, country, and the U.S.. Air quality and visibility related to wildfire smoke can also change over short distances and from hour to hour. Because wildfires and their smoke can be hard to predict, it is good to be prepared.

 

 

How to Reduce the Risk of Smoke Exposure

  • If it looks smoky outside, avoid outdoor physical activity.
  • Stay indoors with the windows and fresh air intakes closed.
  • Avoid smoke-producing appliances such as wood stoves and candles.
  • Do not smoke tobacco inside – smoking puts added stress on your lungs and those around you.
  • If you have asthma or other respiratory condition, be vigilant about avoiding smoke and taking your prescribed medicine, and talk to your health care provider about extra precautions.
  • Seek medical treatment if you have uncontrolled coughing, wheezing or choking, or if breathing difficulty does not subside indoors.

Health Canada Resources

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