Island Health works with the Ministry of Environment and Parks to monitor changes in air quality related to wildfires. Find current air quality warnings on the Health Alerts page.
For the most up-to-date air quality conditions and health advisories, visit B.C. air quality warnings and the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). For wildfire smoke and weather forecasts, visit FireSmoke Canada.
The Air Quality Map, developed by the University of Northern British Columbia and Environment and Climate Change Canada, provides local air quality conditions, AQHI readings and recommended actions.
Wildfire smoke can significantly impact outdoor air quality and health, especially for sensitive populations. For the most up-to-date air quality conditions and health advisories, visit the links in the Air Quality section above.
Learn how to protect yourself from smoke exposure, including:
For wildfire preparedness, smoke exposure guidance during wildfire events and recovery information, visit the Wildfire webpage.
Wood smoke like other smoke, is a source of fine matter, which can cause eye and throat irritation and may worsen breathing and heart illnesses. Smoke is created by wildfires, burning wood in fireplaces, home heating appliances, BBQs, campfires and backyard burning. All of these types of smoke have similar impacts to cigarette smoke.
Those most vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality from wood smoke include the very young, older persons, and those with heart and lung illnesses.
To minimize smoke, wood stoves used for heating should meet Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements and be appropriately sized for your home or space. Cut wood should be split and properly dried (seasoned) at least six months before burning and needs to be stored under cover.
Consider replacing woodstoves with cleaner options, such as heat pumps, pellet stoves or propane heaters. Any actions to reduce wood smoke and improve air quality will have a positive impact on community health.
Backyard organic waste should be composted or chipped, not burned.
Many communities offer free yard waste drop-off at municipal landfills or may offer curbside collection. Most communities no longer permit backyard burning. Check with your municipality to find out about recycling and yard waste services in your area.
Air quality is a shared concern between the provincial government, municipalities, health authorities, community partners and individuals.
Provincial legislation controls smoke, including the Environmental Management Act, the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation and the Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation.
If you see wood smoke that may be causing illegal pollution, call the provincial RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. Read more about provincial regulations for open burning.
Local government can also play a role in reducing wood smoke. Contact your local elected representatives with your concerns. Island Health has worked with several local governments to improve local air quality.
For air quality information, visit www.bcairquality.ca
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can enter buildings through cracks and openings in foundations, and accumulate indoors. Radon is colourless, odourless and tasteless, so the only way to know if it is present is to test for it. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer.
Learn more about radon risks, testing and ways to reduce exposure at the BC Centre for Disease Control’s Radon webpage.
Additional information on indoor air quality, including radon and other common indoor air pollutants, is available at Indoor air quality | HealthLink BC and Radon - Province of British Columbia.
