Facing wildfire smoke and poor air quality? Here’s what you can do

There are 400+ wildfires burning in Canada. Currently a third of them are in the eastern province of Quebec. If you live in North America (especially on the eastern side) you have experienced the orange sun and smoke, and haze too. It was so bad this week that around the country, school kids were instructed to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities.

(This article was written as a follow-up to the Maple + Marigold newsletter, June 10, 2023 edition. Sign up for your copy.)

Here are some personal health tips and advice to maintain your wellbeing and to navigate this time of poor air quality this wildfire season. Most of these are learnings from my experience living in Chandigarh and New Delhi, India where air quality is poor all year long.

• Keep doors and windows closed when the outside air quality is poor
• Limit time outdoors when you can
• Sip warm water through the day to help move the inhalants out of your body.
• Gargle with hot saline water to ease the itchiness in the throat
• Blow your nose often to get rid of the soot that may collect in the nostrils.

Ongoing, even when the forecast is clear:

• Bring in plants to help boost the air quality and circulation indoors.
• Invest in a long-lasting air purifier with reusable filters
• Boil orange peels and cinnamon/ star anise to add a pleasant fragrance indoors.
• Avoid candles or scented diffusers; most do not improve air quality, instead add chemicals and actively worsen the air.
• Open doors and windows to allow the air indoors to circulate. Close as air quality worsens.
• Go for a walk if possible/ advised.
• If your skin feels dry, shower and then moisturize well to protect your skin. Coconut or another natural oil is a great option.

Other tips:

• Eat probiotic-rich (fermented foods) and prebiotic (fibre) rich foods together to allow the body’s systems to process waste efficiently.
• Steep a 1-in piece of cinnamon, lightly crushed, in kettle-hot water and sip through the day

Beyond personal health, there is so much more that can be done to protect our forest cover and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Please see here for tips to implement change at a community/ government level.