Canada is experiencing another significant wildfire season. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are witnessing the most severe activity, with over 30,000 people having been evacuated from their homes. The area burned so far this season, 2,230,042 hectares, is significantly higher than the 10-year average by this time of year. When wildfire activity is present in one area of the country, it can spread throughout the country and across borders. The smoke from the wildfires poses a health hazard to Canadians because it contains VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and particulate matter, PM2.5 and PM1, that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing damage ranging from asthma to heart disease and respiratory infections. In this article, we will explain how you can protect your health from wildfire smoke with better air filtration.
What are the health risks from wildfires?
If you check weather.gc.ca/firework/firework, you can see that smoke from the wildfires has spread over a wide area of Canada, with the worst air quality readings of “hazardous” in Western Canada. However, smoke can easily spread when wind patterns change and quickly spread to other areas.
Particulate matter from Canadian wildfire smoke can lead to serious health problems, significantly increasing the risk of dementia, heart attacks, lung diseases, and asthma. The effects of wildfire smoke particulates are ten times worse than those of PM2.5 from other sources, particularly concerning respiratory issues, dementia, and mental health. Children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing health issues due to the effects of the contaminants in this smoke.
Even healthy individuals can experience health issues. PM2.5 particles from wildfire smoke contain toxic chemicals, elevated levels of carcinogens and metals, and can significantly increase oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress harms cells, proteins, and DNA. It accelerates aging and contributes to increased inflammation and a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, it can exacerbate conditions such as arthritis and asthma.
PM1 is a problem
PM1 particles are incredibly ultrafine with aerodynamic diameters smaller than 1 μm and are especially dangerous because they can more easily infiltrate the human body, affecting organs. It can trigger inflammation, increasing the chances of heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmia.
PM1 can also cause harm to the respiratory system, exacerbating conditions such as COPD and asthma. It can linger, posing a prolonged threat, and standard air quality measurements may not accurately assess the threat.
PM2.5 and PM1 can weaken immune systems, and it’s best to avoid exposure to these particulates as much as possible.
VOCs from wildfires
Wildfires generate high levels of VOCs. VOCs can increase indoor air pollution and acute respiratory issues and, together with other gases, form ground-level ozone, which can cause heart and lung damage. Standard particle filters do not remove VOCs, so it is best to use activated carbon or other molecular filters to capture these gaseous contaminants.
How to improve your health and combat the effects of wildfire smoke on oxidative stress
Eat antioxidant-rich foods, exercise, don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke, drink less alcohol, get adequate sleep, and most importantly, limit exposure to harmful chemicals and pollution.
To protect your lungs from wildfire smoke:
Use filters rated MERV 13A or higher to effectively capture fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which makes up the majority of wildfire smoke and poses serious health risks. If possible, use a MERV 14A or higher air filter. The higher the MERV rating, the more harmful particles can be trapped by the filters. It is crucial to look for the MERV “A” rating in a filter for real-world performance. For example, filters without the MERV 13 “A” rating may only capture the same amount as a MERV 11 filter (or worse), which captures far fewer contaminants from wildfires.
Upgrade your HVAC system filters
High-efficiency filters: To capture the particulate matter from wildfire smoke, upgrade to high-efficiency filters. Consult with an HVAC technician to ensure compatibility with your existing home or office air filtration system.
Add molecular (activated-carbon) filtration: Along with particulate matter, wildfire smoke also contains harmful gases and VOCs. Filters that incorporate an activated carbon layer are highly effective at absorbing these gaseous pollutants.
HEPA filters: For comprehensive protection, use a HEPA filter to capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes PM2.5 particles found in wildfire smoke.
Regular replacement: During periods of high activity from wildfires, air filters tend to clog more quickly. You’ll need to check and replace your HVAC filters more frequently than usual. A dirty filter can impede airflow, which is crucial for helping to clean the air and maintaining its purity.
Seal building gaps: Seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings in your home or commercial space.
Adjust ventilation: When Environment Canada or other agencies issue wildfire smoke warnings, reduce or close off outside air intake in your HVAC system to limit the particulates entering the building.
Air filter solutions for particulate matter from wildfire smoke
*These solutions are mainly for commercial and public buildings, for residential solutions go to Camfil.ca
Camfil City-Flo® air filter features
The City-Flo filter offers a 2-in-1 solution that targets both particulate and molecular (gaseous) contaminants. It features dual-layer filter media: High-efficiency glass fibre captures fine dust and allergens. An activated carbon layer removes a broad range of gases, including VOCs and ozone. Available in MERV 13/13A or MERV 14/14A.
Camfil CitySorb DP® Air Filter Features
The CitySorb DP’s primary focus is on molecular (gas-phase) filtration, which is ideal when a separate particulate filter is already installed. It is designed for environments where gaseous pollutants are the primary concern. It can easily fit into existing systems.
Camfil CityCarb E®
The CityCarb E features a compact V-bank design with 2-in-1 filtration. It Removes both particulate matter and molecular (gaseous) contaminants in a single filter stage. It combines mini-pleat particulate media with an integrated activated carbon layer, utilizing Camfil’s Rapid Adsorption Dynamics (RAD) for broad-spectrum gas removal. It offers MERV 13 (11 A) particulate efficiency (per ASHRAE 52.2).
Camfil CityCarb I®
A High-capacity V-bank filter that combines molecular and high-efficiency particulate filtration. It contains broad-spectrum carbon media, which adsorbs more than 99.5% of thousands of indoor air molecules.
The CityCarb I is highly effective in reducing the impact of wildfire smoke. It captures over 90% of PM2.5 and removes harmful gases and odours, including VOCs, that standard filters do not remove. It offers a MERV 15 / 14A rating.
Camfil CityPleat®
CityPleat filters offer 2-in-1 filtration, simultaneously removing particulate matter and molecular (gaseous) contaminants. They feature a compact panel filter design that is ideal for space-constrained applications. They can be easily retrofitted into existing HVAC systems without requiring major modifications.
Where can I buy Camfil air filters in Canada?
Camfil air filters are available directly or through authorized distributors across Canada.
Contact Camfil Canada for more information or to receive expert advice on selecting the ideal air filtration system for your specific needs. Start by asking for a complimentary site survey for your commercial building, public building, or other facility. Use this contact form
About Camfil Canada Clean Air Solutions
For more than 60 years, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, we provide commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that enhance worker and equipment productivity, reduce energy consumption, and benefit both human health and the environment.
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Sources:
healthline.com/health/oxidative-stress
www.newsweek.com/cities-risk-increase-heart-attacks-canadian-wildfires-2081533
nature.com/articles/s41467-021-21708-0
canada.ca/en/health-canada.html
Media Contact:
Phillip Ilijevski
Camfil Canada Inc.
T: 437-929-1161