Large wild fires burning in Washington state combined with unfavourable winds and a temperature inversion has caused smoky skies across most of the southern interior of BC. For most of us living in these regions we are trying to continue our daily living as best as we can considering the smoky conditions, poor air quality, and potential threat of fire. This post includes some tips to help you get through your smoky day. Current air quality index ratings are currently poor for these regions, with reports being as high as 16 on a index scale that is usually from 1-10 (1 being good air quality, 10 being poor air quality), especially around Grand Forks and Christina Lake, BC. While the smoke is not a serious risk for healthy individuals, children and seniors can be particularly sensitive. Children are more sensitive because they breathe more volume of air per pound of body weight and their respiratory systems can still be developing. The elderly as well as anyone with a lung condition should be cautious. Many people may feel the effects of the smoke including watery dry eyes, throat and sinus irritation, headaches, coughing, fatigue and even nausea*. Here are 5 practical self care tips you can implement to keep your lungs happy and healthy:
*If symptoms like uncontrollable coughing or chest pains occur or symptoms of asthma or other lung conditions get worse please see your doctor immediately. Thank you to all the hard working fire fighters and volunteers that are protecting our homes! References: http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/smoke.html http://www.cdc.gov/features/wildfires/ http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/smoke.asp |