As wildfires continue to worsen due to the climate crisis, they present a significant threat to children’s health and safety. Beyond the immediate destruction of essential infrastructure such as homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and transportation, wildfires expose children to numerous environmental hazards, including fire, smoke, psychological stress, and the harmful byproducts of combustion. These dangers can significantly impact their respiratory health and overall well-being. Wildfires are unpredictable, often starting unnoticed and rapidly spreading across forests, fields, and even residential areas, which makes it essential for parents to take preventive measures to protect their children.

Who are at risk?

Children of all ages are at risk from wildfire smoke, but infants and young children are particularly vulnerable. This is because their lungs and immune systems are still developing and they breathe more air relative to their body weight. Their smaller nasal passages result in less effective filtration of airborne particles, allowing more harmful substances to penetrate deeply into their lungs. As a result, they are at a higher risk of developing respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and other lung conditions. In addition, wildfire smoke exposure may increase the frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations in children.

Children with low birth weight or those born prematurely are even more susceptible to respiratory distress when exposed to environmental pollutants like wildfire smoke. These children often have underdeveloped lungs and weaker immune systems and smoke compromises their already fragile respiratory systems, leading to more severe health complications.

Furthermore, exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a weakened immune response in children, increasing their vulnerability to infections and other illnesses. The toxic chemicals in smoke can also have long-term effects on a child’s cognitive and neurological development, potentially leading to lower cognitive function and increasing the risk of anxiety, stress, and other psychological issues.

What are the symptoms children who breathe in wildfire smoke may experience: 

• Coughing 
• Wheezing 
• Shortness of breath 
• Eye irritation: Redness, tears, or burns to the eyes or corneas 
• Sore throat or dry or scratchy throat that may be accompanied by hoarseness 
• A stuffy or runny nose 
• Excessive sneezing 
• Fatigue or drowsiness 
• Skin colour change 
• Headache or nausea and vomiting 
• Drowsiness or confusion

Precautions to Take Before the Wildfire Season for Children’s Health

• Store a 7 to 10-day supply of prescription medicines in a waterproof, childproof container, ensuring you have enough to take with you in case of evacuation.
• Purchase non-perishable foods that require little to no cooking. Avoid frying or grilling, as these activities can worsen indoor air pollution.
• If your child has asthma or chronic health conditions, work with their healthcare provider to develop a plan to keep them indoors during wildfire smoke events.
• Prepare an emergency evacuation kit with essential items like masks, medications, documents, and personal hygiene items that will be useful if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Monitor air quality and stay informed and take appropriate actions to limit exposure when air quality is poor.

Precautions to Take During a Wildfire Smoke Event

• Monitor air quality updates and follow guidance regarding outdoor activities.
• Stay informed about potential school closures due to air quality concerns.
• Limit children’s outdoor activities by keeping them indoors if the air quality is poor. 
• Ensure windows and doors remain closed, and use air filtration systems or portable air purifiers.
• If your child experiences breathing difficulties or symptoms that worsen, consider evacuating to a safer location.
• For severe breathing issues, excessive drowsiness, or refusal to eat or drink, immediately reduce smoke exposure and seek medical assistance. 
• Additionally, in extreme heat conditions, contact local resources to find air-conditioned cooling centres for refuge.

Guidelines for Children Wearing Masks or Respirators

• Children ages 2 years and older can wear respirators or masks, but very young children may not have options that fit well.
• Choose a respirator or mask that fits properly over your child’s nose and under their chin without blocking their vision. An ill-fitting mask may reduce its effectiveness.
• Ensure the mask or respirator is comfortable, as children are more likely to remove or wear it incorrectly if it’s uncomfortable, reducing its effectiveness.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the mask fits correctly.
• Check for masks that are specifically made for children when possible.

Precautions for Children During Ash Exposure

• Follow local authorities’ warnings and check the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast for your area to stay updated on ash conditions.
• Keep children indoors and avoid strenuous activities to prevent deeper inhalation of ash particles. Plan indoor games to minimize physical exertion.
• If outdoor exposure is necessary, ensure children wear disposable masks or make-shift masks using moist cloth. Protect their skin with long sleeves and pants.
• Encourage children to wear glasses instead of contact lenses to avoid eye irritation from the ash.
• Create a clean room for children to sleep and play by keeping windows and doors closed. Use air filters, avoid vacuuming, and refrain from smoking indoors to reduce ash exposure.
• Consider investing in air cleaners with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters before an emergency. HEPA filters are a type of air filter designed to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns with a high efficiency rate. These filters can capture pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, and even smoke particles. 

Safety First: Protecting Your Child After a Wildfire

• • Do not return home until authorities say it’s safe.
  • Smoke can linger after a wildfire. Continue to monitor local air quality.
  • Children should not help with cleaning up after a wildfire.
  • Keep children away from ash. Ensure ash is cleaned up before returning to the home or school. 
  • Wash any ash off your child’s skin, mouth, and eyes immediately.

• Watch for Symptoms: If your child has trouble breathing, persistent coughing, or any other health issues, contact a healthcare provider.