“Our understanding of the impact of air pollution on lung cancer primarily comes from studies where people are exposed to poor air quality on a daily basis over many years,” says Dr. Parveen Bhatti, principal investigator in Cancer Epidemiology & Prevention at BC Cancer.
However, with forest fires increasing in size, severity and frequency over time, potential long-term health risks may include increased risks of lung cancer, particularly in communities facing high levels of exposure on a yearly basis.”
Dr. Bhatti recommends reviewing B.C.’s Air Quality Index as outdoor air quality can impact health without any obvious symptoms. To protect yourself from wildfire smoke, the BCCDC has a few recommendations, including:
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which tend to have cleaner, cooler indoor air
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you inhale
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by occupational health and safety professionals.
For more information on wildfire smoke and its health impacts, including ways to prepare for wildfire smoke season, visit the BCCDC webpage on wildfire smoke.
Indoor air quality and radon levels
When it comes to indoor air, it’s important to ensure the air inside your home is free from radon. According to Health Canada, approximately 16 per cent of all lung cancer deaths in Canada are linked to radon exposure. Radon is an invisible, naturally occurring gas that can seep into homes.
“As we breathe this gas in over time, we know it can lead to the development of lung cancer,” says Dr. Bhatti.
“Although it can be an issue in any home, in certain parts of the province like the Interior and Northern B.C., radon is more of a concern. There are radon testing kits available to determine if the levels in your home are safe. If they are not, there are modifications that can be made to homes to bring exposures down to safe levels.”
A whopping 96 per cent of Canadians have not tested their homes for radon but taking action can reduce radon levels in homes by more than 80 per cent and can
save lives.
For more information on how to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer, including resources on how to test for radon, check out: Insights into lung cancer in B.C.: How British Columbians can reduce their risk.
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/impacts-of-wildfire-smoke-and-radon-exposure-on-lung-cancer-risk
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