Medical Minute: How smoke from the Canadian wildfires may affect your health

If you’re spending time outside today and it feels like your allergies are flaring up, that’s likely the smoke drifting into our region from the Canadian wildfires. You might recall how hard we were hit back in late June 2023. The situation now is very similar. Depending on your exact location, you’ll notice hazy skies and a campfire smell in the air.

“Tiny particles suspended in the air can trigger our body in the same way and with the same symptoms as if we had allergies,” said Dr. Jason Marker, clinic director, E. Blair Warner Family Medicine Center, and associate director, Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency.

Most of us won’t feel symptoms, or may feel only mild ones, but the haze could trigger worse symptoms in those with asthma and COPD. “Don’t delay seeking help if you’re having worsening trouble with your breathing,” he said.

Dr. Marker’s perspective and advice from the last round of wildfires still holds true. Watch his full interview to learn which groups are more susceptible to health issues and how to stay safe.

Originally posted on June 30, 2023

If you’ve been wondering if the lingering haze from the Canadian wildfires might affect your health, you’re not alone. Dr. Jason Marker from the Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program answers some common questions patients have been asking about air quality and what precautions you and your family might need to take.

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