As you are all aware the region was recently covered by smoke which eliminated daylight and reduced visibility for a period of time.
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of very small inhalable particles and gases. The amount and makeup of smoke changes from fire to fire and as the smoke gets older. This variability means that there is a variety of health effects that range from nose, throat and eye irritation to more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing and worsening of heart and lung conditions like COPD or asthma.
As per Northern Health this is how you can reduce your exposure:
· Stay indoors, keep doors and windows closed, use HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) or EP (electrostatic precipitation) air cleaners if available
· Reduce time spent outdoors
· Avoid rigorous outdoor activities
· When driving in your vehicle keep windows and doors closed with your air conditioner set to re-circulate
· People with asthma or other chronic illness should activate any care plans prepared by their medical practitioner
· Drink plenty of water
· Visit locations that have a large volume of air that is air conditioned and filters the air (shopping malls, schools, public libraries etc.)
N95 respirators are the only masks that effectively reduce your exposure to fine particles, gases and pollutants but these types of mask require a proper ‘fit test’ before being used. Simple dust masks are unlikely to provide any reduction in exposure.
The air conditioners at UNBC bring in outside air which is then run through filters to remove particulates such as bugs, pollen and ash. The buildings are pressurized which means that when doors or windows are opened they do not let outside air in, the air from inside escapes through them. Unfortunately those filters cannot do anything for the smell.
