Wildfire smoke is toxic, can cause many health issues: expert

A special air quality advisory is still in effect as wildfire smoke hovers over Metro Vancouver, and we’re getting a better idea of just how bad the smoke is for us.

Dr. Susan Kwan, based in Burnaby, says the air is filled with toxins that can hamper people’s breathing, regardless of whether they have underlying health issues.

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“The air contains nitric oxide and aromatic hydrocarbons, so many of the materials are toxic to the body,” she said.

“When we breathe in all this particulate, it can trigger off a whole bunch of reactions, including a violent cough.

“It can cause skin irritation, eye irritations, itchiness, pain, or nose irritation. And when you breathe in, you feel that there is a choking sensation in the throat.”

The smoke affects everyone differently, but she says the coughing and discomfort are worse for people with underlying health conditions, and the toxins can stay in your system for a while.

One way to counteract all this is to limit your time outside and drink lots of water, she says.

The smoke is expected to stick around for another couple of days.