While the flames are still raging in forests across the country, the federal Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos, and public health authorities are calling for caution in the face of a deterioration of air quality. They also invite you to beware of heat, which can be more harmful than smoke.
“The state of health of our population is intimately linked to the health of our environment,” said Minister Duclos by way of introduction to the press conference on Monday. Already more than 100,000 people have been evacuated since the start of the fires and we are already seeing repercussions on the physical and mental health of Canadians, he observed.
Alongside the Chief Public Health Officer, Dr.D Theresa Tam, and Deputy Chief Administrator Dr.r Howard Njoo, the Liberal cabinet minister, pointed out on Monday that half of the ongoing wildfires are still out of control.
He added that six million hectares of forest have burned since the start of the season, an area 18 times greater than the ten-year average on the same date. Moreover, the Minister warns that it could still take several weeks before we reach the peak of the season.
Fine particles
Jean-Yves Duclos warns the public against the presence of many pollutants in smoke that can cause serious health impacts. The DD Theresa Tam went on to say that it is the fine particles in the smoke that pose the greatest threat to health.
The government asks the population to monitor the evolution of the air quality in their region. In the event of significant deterioration in air quality, we suggest wearing an N-95 mask to reduce the inhalation of fine particles.
The DD Tam mentions that the smoke travels great distances, which means that “no matter where you live in Canada, you can be bothered by the smoke.”
If the air quality deteriorates, it is best to stay indoors and close the windows.
Seniors, pregnant women, babies and young children, people suffering from asthma or any chronic illness, people who work outdoors, as well as those who do strenuous activities outside should exercise great caution. This includes firefighters and emergency responders on duty at the scene of fires.
The entire population is asked to be alert to spot any symptoms related to the inhalation of smoke or poor air quality. We speak among other things of irritation of the respiratory tract, cough and headache.
To (re)see: Should you wear a mask during smog episodes?
Cocktail of heat and smoke
Canadian public health also emphasizes the risks associated with heat. For many people living with various conditions, the effects of extreme heat can be more detrimental than those of poor air quality.
According to the Dr Howard Njoo, beware of heat-related symptoms such as headache, muscle cramps, thirst, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
“Stay cool and hydrated. If you have to choose, staying cool trumps air quality because heat-related illnesses are more serious than smoke-related illnesses,” he insists.
Ideally, people should stay indoors in the fresh air with an air purifier and air conditioning system. If such devices are not available, it is possible to take refuge in cool public places.
Long term effects
With an accelerated frequency of forest fires and increasing exposure of remote populations, Public Health is concerned about the long-term effects.
The DD Theresa Tam explains that growing scientific evidence supports that seasonal exposure to wildfires can have long-term health consequences. She points out that Indigenous communities in northern and remote areas are disproportionately affected by natural disasters.
This year, many First Nations have had to leave their homes and traditional territories due to floods or fires, she noted.
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