Wildfire smoke has drifted back over Metro Vancouver this summer, with air quality warnings showing up again as it lingers over the region. If you’re 65 or older, that smoke is riskier for you than it is for a younger person, since your lungs and heart have to work harder to deal with it.
The simplest thing you can do is set up one clean-air room at home: close the windows and doors, and run an air purifier or air conditioner if you have one, set to recirculate rather than pulling in outside air. On smoky days, skip strenuous activity outdoors, and check the air quality forecast before you head out so you know what you’re walking into.
If breathing starts to feel harder, your chest feels tight, or a cough won’t let up, call 8-1-1 to talk to a nurse at HealthLink BC rather than waiting to see if it passes on its own.