I recently moved to Vancouver and wildfires are new to me. I’m 20 weeks pregnant and I’m worried about the wildfires and smoke traveling from the recent wildfires. I need to run errands (eg groceries, etc). Does anyone have any information about what I can do to stay safe??
Stay safe everyone!
Is been such a bad year for it! With a baby it becomes especially stressful.
An air purifier is helpful. You can check the AQI on smoky days to see how high it is and what level of caution is recommended.
Hi Dita,
I realize this is an older post, but I wanted to bring it back to the top of the forum since wildfire smoke is becoming more common as the summer goes on.
There are many useful resources about smoke and air quality. One of my favourite pregnancy-specific resources is from the BC Centre for Disease Control: https://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Health-Environment/BCCDC_WildFire_FactSheet_Pregnancy.pdf
Health Canada also has an excellent overview for everyone: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/healthy-living/environment/air-quality/wildfire-smoke.html
Some key takeaways:
Monitor air quality (check the Air Quality Health Index regularly, as air quality can be poor even if you can’t see or smell smoke!)
Reduce exposure to smoke as much as possible by staying indoors when smoke levels are high
Improve indoor air quality with an air purifier, run your HVAC system on recirculation, and avoid activities that worsen indoor air pollution (smoking, vaping, burning candles/incense)
Wear a well-fitted N95 mask if you must be outdoors with poor air quality
Seek medical care if you experience: difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe coughing, dizziness or confusion.
Stay safe out there 