With the recent fires happening in areas of Atlantic Canada, Health Canada would like to remind everyone of the risks of wildfire smoke to your health and what you can do to protect yourself and your family. Please pass the message below to your organization’s members, family and friends, or post it on your website and social media channels.
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Wildfires produce thick smoke which can lead to serious health issues. Smoke can carry hundreds or thousands of kilometres from the fire zone. There is no safe level of exposure to wildfire smoke. This means that it can damage your health at very low levels. Even if you’re not close to a fire, you can still be affected by the smoke.
Everyone is at risk from wildfire smoke but especially small children, pregnant people, elderly people, people with existing lung or heart conditions and people involved in outdoor work or sports.
What you can do:
- Visit Canada.ca to find out more about Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health and Protecting your indoor air from outdoor pollutants.
- Download and share the Wildfire smoke 101 factsheets: Wildfire smoke and your health and Using an air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Learn how to use the air quality health index (AQHI) to check air quality conditions in your community.
- Download the WeatherCAN app to get free notifications about weather events, extreme heat and special air quality statements.
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Thank you for helping us to spread the word!
Health Canada – Atlantic region