09/09/2025
Misunderstandings about wildfire smoke are common. Many believe it’s only a problem if you can see or smell it. Others think masks don’t help.
Just because the air looks clear or doesn’t smell smoky doesn’t mean it’s safe. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles you can’t see or smell, but they can travel far, irritate your lungs and trigger serious issues like asthma attacks or heart problems.
Not all masks protect against these particles. Cloth or surgical masks won’t do the job. You need a well-fitted N95, KN95 or P100 mask to filter them out, and even then, facial hair or a loose fit can reduce how well they work. 😷
If you’re at risk or unsure what protection makes sense for you, talk to your PCN health team, www.mosaicpcn.ca.
