{"id":10090,"date":"2023-09-21T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/?p=10090"},"modified":"2023-09-08T15:30:11","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T15:30:11","slug":"wildfire-smoke-is-an-increasing-threat-to-canadians-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/wildfire-smoke-is-an-increasing-threat-to-canadians-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Wildfire smoke is an increasing threat to Canadians\u2019 health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<span><a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/ryan-w-allen-1207401\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ryan W. Allen<\/a>, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/simon-fraser-university-1282\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Simon Fraser University<\/a><\/em> and <a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/stephanie-cleland-1465055\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stephanie Cleland<\/a>, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/simon-fraser-university-1282\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Simon Fraser University<\/a><\/em><\/span>\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 100px; border: none; position: relative; z-index: 1;\" allowtransparency=\"\" allow=\"clipboard-read; clipboard-write\" src=\"https:\/\/narrations.ad-auris.com\/widget\/the-conversation-canada\/wildfire-smoke-is-an-increasing-threat-to-canadians-health\" width=\"100%\" height=\"400\"><\/iframe>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/environment-climate-change\/services\/environmental-indicators\/air-pollutant-emissions.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air quality in Canada has improved<\/a> over the past several decades, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stateofglobalair.org\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/2022-09\/soga-2020-report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Canada\u2019s air is among the cleanest in the world<\/a>. But that progress is threatened by smoke from wildfires, which are becoming <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4236\/jep.2018.95028\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">more frequent and more intense with climate change<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<p>Canada\u2019s 2023 wildfire season is <a href=\"https:\/\/ciffc.net\/statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the worst on record<\/a>, with more than 5,800 reported fires and over 15 million hectares burned to date. <\/p>\n\n<p>Globally, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stateofglobalair.org\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/2022-09\/soga-2020-report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">air pollution is a leading cause of death and disease<\/a>. One of the best indicators of health risk from air pollution is the concentration of very small particles called PM2.5 (which stands for particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres). <\/p>\n\n<p>PM2.5 particles can deposit deep in the lungs and long-term exposure can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stateofglobalair.org\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/2022-09\/soga-2020-report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cause a wide range of health effects including respiratory and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung cancer and pregnancy complications<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/sciadv.abo3381\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Health effects can occur even at low concentrations<\/a>, including those below current <a href=\"https:\/\/ccme.ca\/en\/air-quality-report#slide-7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wildfires produce enormous quantities of PM2.5 and several other hazardous pollutants. Wildfire smoke can travel long distances, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2023\/06\/06\/us\/new-york-air-pollution-canada-wildfires-climate\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">exposing large populations \u2014 both close to and far away from fires \u2014 to very high concentrations of pollution<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"the-health-impact-of-wildfire-smoke\">The health impact of wildfire smoke<\/h2>\n\n<p>The pollution mixture and chemical composition of wildfire smoke is often different from the pollution emitted by other sources, and <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamainternmed.2023.3300\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">these differences may influence toxicity<\/a>. The toxicity of wildfire smoke also <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1289\/EHP2200\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">depends on the type of vegetation and burning conditions<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s40726-023-00272-9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">may change as the smoke \u201cages\u201d in the atmosphere<\/a>. This underscores the need to distinguish the health impacts of wildfire smoke from the impacts of other pollution sources. <\/p>\n\n<p>Evidence linking wildfire smoke with adverse health effects has been accumulating for years and the notion that wildfire smoke is \u201cnatural,\u201d and therefore less harmful than other types of air pollution, is not supported by the evidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most studies have evaluated the relationships between daily changes in smoke levels and indicators of health such as emergency department visits, hospital admissions or deaths. <\/p>\n\n<p>There is strong evidence that these \u201cacute\u201d exposures to wildfire smoke <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1289\/ehp.1409277\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">increase the risk of respiratory illness and death<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12989-020-00394-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">evidence of effects on the cardiovascular system<\/a> is also growing. Older adults, people living in low-income areas, and those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and other chronic conditions <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1056\/NEJMsr2028985\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">are most susceptible<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<p>The health effects of wildfire smoke likely extend beyond the lungs and heart. Recent studies indicate that exposure during pregnancy may increase the risks of <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.envres.2021.111872\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">preterm birth<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41370-020-00267-4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">decreased birth weight<\/a>. Smoke may also <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1289\/EHP10498\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reduce attention measured on cognitive tests<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamainternmed.2023.3300\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">increase dementia risk<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<p>More studies are needed, but these effects could have important implications for health during vulnerable stages of life. <\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.envpol.2023.121041\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Much less is known about the impacts of exposure to wildfire smoke over longer durations or from multiple episodes<\/a>. As more Canadians are exposed to smoke, and as the duration of the forest fire season increases, it will be critical to understand the long-term health impacts of repeated smoke exposure, especially among the most at-risk populations. <\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"strategies-to-protect-health\">Strategies to protect health<\/h2>\n\n<p>Unlike <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5772\/9751\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">anthropogenic sources<\/a> of air pollution, emissions of wildfire smoke cannot be readily controlled at the source. But there are strategies that individuals and communities can use to reduce exposure and health risks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before fires begin, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airnow.gov\/publications\/wildfire-smoke-guide\/wildfire-smoke-a-guide-for-public-health-officials\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">those with chronic conditions can discuss strategies for managing their health with their health-care providers, and ensure access to necessary medications<\/a>. During smoke events, <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1289\/ehp.1104447\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">staying indoors can be beneficial<\/a> because buildings reduce exposure to outdoor-generated pollution when windows and doors are closed. <\/p>\n\n<p>Correctly sized portable HEPA filter air cleaners can <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.atmosenv.2018.11.058\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reduce indoor PM2.5 by as much as 80 per cent<\/a>. And well-fitting <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s40572-020-00296-z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">N95 respirators (or comparable respirators designed and certified for occupational use) can reduce PM2.5 exposure<\/a> when outdoors or in transit. The <a href=\"https:\/\/weather.gc.ca\/airquality\/pages\/index_e.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air Quality Health Index<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/weather.gc.ca\/firework\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">smoke forecasts<\/a> can help Canadians decide when these strategies are needed.<\/p>\n\n<p>These strategies also have limitations. For example, the recommendation to stay indoors assumes that individuals have stable and safe housing. It is also complicated by heat, <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/ee9.0000000000000189\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a major threat to health<\/a> that may <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1164\/rccm.202204-0657oc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">amplify the effects of PM2.5<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<p>Portable air filters are prohibitively expensive for some families, they do not remove the gases found in wildfire smoke, and they will be less effective for those who spend time in other locations, such as outdoor workers. High quality respirators may be unavailable in some communities, may cause discomfort and <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s40572-020-00296-z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a good facial fit will be impossible for many children and some adults<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n<p>Government and public health agencies can help to offset some of these limitations and ensure more equal protection from smoke by providing <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fpubh.2022.773428\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">accessible and clear messages to the public<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airnow.gov\/publications\/wildfire-smoke-guide\/wildfire-smoke-a-guide-for-public-health-officials\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">establishing clean air shelters in libraries, schools and other public buildings<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<p>Multiple overlapping strategies are needed to mitigate the health impacts of Canada\u2019s worsening wildfires.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"The Conversation\"  width=\"1\"  height=\"1\"  style=\"border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important\"  referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\"  class=\" pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/211411\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\" ><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --><\/p>\n\n<p><span><a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/ryan-w-allen-1207401\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ryan W. Allen<\/a>, Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/simon-fraser-university-1282\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Simon Fraser University<\/a><\/em> and <a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/stephanie-cleland-1465055\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stephanie Cleland<\/a>, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/simon-fraser-university-1282\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Simon Fraser University<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p>This article is republished from <a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Conversation<\/a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/wildfire-smoke-is-an-increasing-threat-to-canadians-health-211411\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">original article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Ryan W. Allen, Simon Fraser University and Stephanie Cleland, Simon Fraser University Air quality in Canada has improved&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":605,"featured_media":10068,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[13,12],"tags":[120,173,474,689],"class_list":{"0":"post-10090","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-earth","8":"category-health-and-body","9":"tag-climate-change","10":"tag-global-warming","11":"tag-the-conversation","12":"tag-wildfire","13":"cs-entry","14":"cs-video-wrap"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10090","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/605"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10090"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10090\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10091,"href":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10090\/revisions\/10091"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10090"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10090"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10090"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}