So how can Canadians prepare for poor air quality? As conversations about masking return, a few people have pointed to elastomeric respirators as an alternative to regular pandemic-style masks.
They cost more than other masks because they’re designed to fit well to the face, he said, and have “separate modules” for where air comes in and out. While official advice has been to stay indoors when the air quality is poor, Brook emphasized that outside, “some sort of mask or respirator is your only line of defence.”
Drawing from his experience advising the government of Malaysia several years ago when the country was grappling with forest fire smoke from Indonesia, Brook noted that “you can take some confidence” in knowing there is still some protection in less expensive gear as long as it fits well and is being worn when needed.The effects of wildfire smoke will first be seen in people with existing respiratory conditions, Brook said, as well as older adults.
Pregnant people should also be careful to avoid smoke especially while a fetus’s brain, lungs and other organs are developing. Smoke “could impact the development of the fetus,” depending on when they are exposed, he said.