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Children are at increased risk for health effects from exposure to smoke and ash from wildfires, mainly because their lungs are still developing.

Potential harm to the body is caused by the fire itself, the smoke, the ash, and the chemicals released by burning materials, such as furniture.

Smoke can travel hundreds of kilometers from the source of the fire. It is important to check local air quality reports during wildfire season, even if the fire is not particularly nearby.

Health effects of wildfires:

• Children who inhale smoke and ash from wildfires may experience symptoms such as chest pain and tightness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, a burning sensation in the nose, throat, or eyes, dizziness, nausea, or other symptoms.

• Children with asthma, allergies, other chronic respiratory or other system diseases may experience more severe respiratory symptoms when exposed to smoke or ash.

Instructions:

During a fire

• Immediately remove from the fire.

• Check local reports and health warnings from the competent government agencies (civil protection).

• Keep children indoors with doors and windows closed. The use of air conditioning that recirculates the room air is encouraged provided that the room is protected from outside air.

• Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Avoid activities that lead to poor air quality. Do not use air purifiers that produce ozone. It is recommended to avoid smoking, using candles for lighting, cooking with an open fire or grill, and using aerosol products (air fresheners, insecticides). Also avoid vacuuming.

• Reduce health risks by avoiding strenuous activities. Avoid unnecessary travel and outdoor activities while smoke and ash are present. If you see or smell smoke outside, if local air quality is reported as poor, or if there are relevant health warnings, wait until the air quality improves before your family takes outdoor activities.

• The use of N95/FPP2 masks in children 2 years of age and older is recommended only if travel is considered essential. Don’t rely on masks for protection from smoke, though. Surgical or cloth masks are not considered to protect children from inhaling smoke from fires. N95 masks protect against airborne particles but not from toxic gases and fumes. Humidifiers or the use of a damp cloth in front of the mouth do not prevent smoke inhalation.

• If your child experiences shortness of breath, wheezing, severe coughing, drowsiness, refusal of fluids or food, reduce his/her exposure to smoke and seek immediate medical attention.

• If your child has asthma, allergies or another chronic health condition, he/she is at high risk for health effects from inhaling smoke from fires. Children who are taking chronic inhaled medications for respiratory disease should continue to take them as directed by their doctor. They may need to increase the dose or frequency of their use if deemed necessary by their pediatrician.

After a fire

• Children should not participate in cleaning up areas near the fire.

• Fires can deposit large amounts of ash and dust containing harmful chemicals. Avoid bringing contaminated ash and dust into areas where children live (such as your home or car). Remove shoes at the door, wash clothes separately, and change clothes before having contact with your children.