Wood Smoke Impacts

Wood Smoke affects everyone, but especially children, seniors, pregnant women and people with existing lung and heart conditions. The BC Lung Foundation has identified many hazardous substances in wood smoke including: fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Exposure to wood smoke increases the likelihood that health conditions will develop.

Exposure to smoke can worsen conditions like asthma or COPD, reduce lung function and increase the risk of a heart attach or stroke. It can also cause lower birthweights, ear and respiratory infections in children and shortened lifespans.

What is fine particulate matter (PM2.5)?

  • PM2.5 is the scientific name for miniscule particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers (a micrometer is a millimeter, divided into a thousand!) PM2.5 is a key component of smoke.
  • Measuring about 20x smaller than a human hair, fine particulate matter is small enough to inhale, travel through our bloodstream, and seep through cracks in buildings even when the doors and windows are closed.
  • Research suggests that there is no safe level of PM2.5. Exposure to PM2.5 can negatively impact the heart and lungs and can lead to health issues such as asthma symptoms, chronic bronchitis, and heart attacks. Exposure to PM2.5 is also linked to more frequent emergency room visits and hospitalization for respiratory and cardiovascular problems, as well as an increased risk of premature death.

Health Impacts

Short-term health effects include: headaches, irritated eyes and throat, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, reduced lung function, and worsening lung conditions like asthma and COPD.

Long-term health effects include: premature death, increased risk of heart attack, increased blood pressure, low birthweight in babies, and respiratory illnesses in children.

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