With wildfires continuing to impact communities across Canada, cities such as Toronto, Muskoka, and Simcoe are experiencing some of the worst air quality levels in recent years. As the skies turn hazy and the smell of smoke lingers, it’s essential to know how to stay safe and minimize your exposure to hazardous wildfire smoke particles.
At isure, we’re committed to helping you protect what matters most—including your health. Here are expert tips to safeguard yourself and your loved ones during periods of poor air quality.
What Is Poor Air Quality, and Why Should You Care?
Wildfire smoke contains tiny, hazardous particles known as PM2.5 (particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or smaller). These fine particles are small enough to penetrate deep into your lungs and even enter your bloodstream. Short-term exposure can cause:
- Itchy throat and coughing
- Headaches and dizziness
- Nausea and fatigue
Long-term exposure may lead to severe health conditions, such as:
- Respiratory infections
- Heart disease and stroke
- Chronic lung issues, like asthma or COPD
According to a study from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, wildfire smoke can be up to 10 times more harmful than vehicle emissions.
Step 1: Check the Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is the best way to gauge the safety of the air you’re breathing. It uses a scale from 0 to 500, divided into six risk categories:
| AQI Level | Colour | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 0–50 | Green | Good – Air quality is safe |
| 51–100 | Yellow | Moderate – Acceptable but sensitive individuals may feel effects |
| 101–150 | Orange | Unhealthy for sensitive groups – People with asthma or lung issues may experience symptoms |
| 151–200 | Red | Unhealthy – Everyone may begin to experience symptoms |
| 201–300 | Purple | Very Unhealthy – Health alert; risk for all individuals |
| 301+ | Maroon | Hazardous – Avoid all outdoor activities |
How to check the AQI:
- Use apps like The Weather Network, IQAir, or AirVisual
- Search “AQI + your city” in Google or on Environment Canada’s website
Step 2: Stay Indoors and Create a Clean Air Zone
When the AQI is over 150, limit outdoor activities as much as possible. Here’s how to make your home a safe zone:
- Close windows and doors to prevent smoke from entering
- Seal cracks with damp towels or weather stripping
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters (or consider making a DIY box fan filter)
- Run central A/C on recirculation mode with clean filters
- Avoid indoor activities that worsen air quality, like smoking or burning candles
Step 3: Wear an N95 Mask Outdoors If Air Quality is Poor
If you must go outside for groceries, work, or appointments:
- Wear a properly fitted N95 respirator to filter out PM2.5 particles
- Avoid cloth or surgical masks—they offer limited protection from wildfire smoke
- If N95 masks aren’t available, double up with a surgical mask underneath a cloth mask for better filtration (not perfect, but better than nothing)
Note: Children and older adults are more vulnerable and should avoid exposure entirely.
Step 4: Protect Your Health and Well-Being
Even inside, poor air quality can cause health issues. Take these extra steps:
Stay Hydrated
Smoke dries out your respiratory system. Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and broths to soothe irritation. Apply moisturizers to prevent skin dryness, use saline nasal sprays to clear out smoke particles and/or dab essential oils (like eucalyptus or peppermint) under your nose to mask the smell of smoke
Reduce Stress
Smoke-filled days can increase anxiety and feelings of helplessness. Practice stress-reducing techniques like:
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
- Gentle yoga or stretching
- Talking with friends or mental health professionals
Special Air Quality Considerations for Vulnerable Groups
Some groups are at a higher risk from wildfire smoke, including:
- Children under 12
- Seniors over 65
- Pregnant individuals
- People with asthma, COPD, or heart disease
- Outdoor workers
If you or a family member falls into one of these groups, take extra precautions and consider relocating temporarily if conditions worsen significantly.
Bonus Tips: How to Keep Indoor Air Fresh
Here are a few bonus strategies to improve your indoor air during wildfire season:
- Vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum regularly
- Use wet mops instead of dry sweeping to reduce dust
- Hang damp sheets over vents or windows for added filtration
- Set up a clean room with an air purifier and no smoke exposure
- Avoid candle or incense burning
Air Quality: Stay Safe and Informed
Wildfire smoke may be unavoidable, but with the right precautions, you can significantly reduce its impact on your health. Monitor your local AQI, stay indoors when possible, and take care of your well-being. isure is here to support you—rain, shine, or smoke. Have questions about your home or auto insurance coverage during wildfire season? Reach out to our team anytime.
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