What should bicycle commuters do about wildfire smoke?

As forest fires continue to ravage large areas and that means the return of high levels of air pollution due to smoke anticipated the coming days in many cities in Canada and the United States. And, surely many bicycle commuters are feeling the impacts in places like Toronto and New York City where smoke has been particularly gruesome on some days.

Smoke plumes originating from forest fires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec are forecasted to once again envelop the area once again, leading to a further deterioration in air quality.

For many bicycle commuters, the choice to ride on the daily is linked to battling the climate crisis, which makes it a particularly difficult decision to leave the bike at home considering the smoke is direct evidence of the emergency we collectively face. Others have no choice but to bike — whether it is the main source of transportation to employment, or is directly linked to employment such as delivery drivers.

So what to do?

It is essential to note that air quality and visibility can fluctuate significantly over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour due to the presence of wildfire smoke.

Wildfire smoke poses a threat to everyone’s health, even at low concentrations. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to take proactive measures to minimize exposure.

According to the experts at Environment Canada, individuals with pre-existing lung diseases such as asthma or heart diseases, older adults, children, pregnant individuals, and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable to the health effects caused by wildfire smoke. It is strongly advised that they consult with their healthcare providers to develop a management plan for wildfire smoke events. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a supply of necessary medications at home and carry them at all times during the wildfire season.

If breathing becomes uncomfortable or if you or someone in your care begins to feel unwell, it is important to stop or reduce physical activity levels. In such cases, reaching out to your healthcare provider or local health authority for advice or in the event of severe symptoms is highly recommended.

Watch and Act Accordingly

Regularly monitoring your symptoms and staying informed about the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) are crucial. It is important to remember that individuals respond differently to smoke, and mild irritation and discomfort are common, typically subsiding when the smoke dissipates. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can assist your body in coping with the effects of smoke.

For individuals residing in homes equipped with HVAC systems, utilizing the highest-rated MERV filter (ideally rated 13 or higher) and setting the fan to recirculate air constantly is recommended. Additionally, the use of portable High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaners can be beneficial. Keeping doors and windows closed is advised when the temperature indoors remains comfortable.

Finding locations within a community that offer clean and cool air can provide respite from the smoke during breaks. Libraries, shopping malls, and community centers are among the potential options. Local health or municipal authorities can provide guidance on suitable locations.

If cycling to or from work over long distances, or working on a bicycle outside, consider locking up and taking a break at these locations.

Remember Those Masks?

Social media is filled with discussions about the disturbing images of cities enveloped in thick haze and the scent and taste of wood smoke permeating the outdoor environment.

One Reddit user remarked, “Downtown smells like a campfire. You can even detect the pine in it.” Another said, “Cool! It’s the scent of our impending demise!”

If outdoor activities are unavoidable, wearing a properly fitted respirator mask such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent can help reduce exposure to the fine particles present in smoke. However, it is important to note that respirators do not provide protection against the gases present in wildfire smoke. Paying attention to your body and reducing or stopping activities if symptoms arise is crucial.

Masks can be worn under helmets quite easily.

Taking care of individuals in your care and others who may be more susceptible to the effects of smoke is of utmost importance.

Lung Health

The Lung Health Foundation has expressed concern for the lung health of millions of Canadians in the face of the ongoing wildfires. They advise individuals with lung diseases to take additional precautions to protect their respiratory health.

Jessica Buckley, the president and CEO of the Lung Health Foundation, highlighted the release of harmful pollutants and smoke from forest fires, emphasizing their adverse effects on respiratory health. Inhalation of wildfire smoke can lead to immediate respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, with long-term exposure potentially resulting in chronic respiratory issues.

The health hazards associated with wildfire smoke, even at low concentrations, underscore the need for proactive measures to protect personal well-being and reduce smoke exposure.

To limit exposure to harmful wildfire smoke and protect ourselves and our loved ones, it is important to take certain actions, including:

1. Pay attention to the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) or other smoke level indicators in your area. These will help determine your level of risk and the appropriate actions to safeguard your health. Stay updated with any special air quality statements included in your weather forecast.
2. Minimize outdoor activities and strenuous physical exertion when the air quality is affected by smoke.
3. Whenever possible, protect indoor air quality from wildfire smoke by keeping windows and doors closed. Employing a clean and high-quality air filter in your ventilation system is advisable. Consider using portable air purifiers to remove smoke from your home, and if available, utilize air conditioning.
4. In case it becomes challenging to find clean and cool air, reach out to your local jurisdiction for information on designated cooling and clean air spaces. This recommendation is also applicable during extreme heat events.
5. If you must spend time outdoors, consider wearing a well-fitted respirator-type mask, such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent. This can assist in reducing your exposure to the fine particles found in smoke. However, it is important to note that respirators do not provide protection against the gases present in wildfire smoke. Pay attention to your body and reduce or discontinue activities if symptoms occur.
6. Mental health is also important during a wildfire smoke event. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression symptoms, seek help from a health professional.

By taking these precautions and staying informed about the current wildfire smoke situation, we can better protect our health and well-being in these challenging times.