Wildfire Safety for Your Body 


By Deirdre O’Neill 

Naturopathic Physician & Prolotherapist



What a wonderful community we have here at Apex. This gem became all the more apparent as we went through the threat of the Keremeos Creek Fire. I am incredibly grateful for all of the members of the Apex Fire Brigade - all of their hard work during training shined through the days of evacuation. I am still in awe with all that was done by our brigade, Apex staff & BC Wildfire Service workers to protect our beloved mountain. 


I have witnessed all of the firesmart work done by homeowners and the community over the last few years. Cutting down debris and keeping firewood away from buildings to protect your home. The fires not only threaten our wilderness & our homes but their aftermath - the hazy skies affect our air quality. Have you ever thought of firesmarting your own body as it bears witness to the wildfire aftermath year after year? 


In a wildfire there is obviously the density of smoke. Along with this smoke is particulate matter that contains various chemicals including heavy metals, toluene, nitrogen oxides, aldehydes to name a few. These particulates are so minute that they are not visible, making their exposure that the more insidious. 


Exposure to smoke can have immediate and long lasting impact on our health. As our lungs are the first line of defence - they often get hit the quickest. I tend to see an increase in respiratory disorders including an exacerbation of asthma, coughing, sneezing, sinus and throat irritation at this time of year. 


Yet remember that the particulates in wildfire smoke are toxic & can penetrate deeper into the lungs & travel throughout the body. Headaches and fatigue are a common symptom that likely come as an aftermath of this exposure. 


I feel that there are ways to prevent this exacerbation & reduce the long term damage even when exposure to smoke is unavoidable.


Reduce exposure When the particulate levels are high in the air - it is best to avoid extended periods of time outside, especially with exertion. Keep your car air and your heat pump on recirculate to avoid intake of outside air. Remember to change out your air filters more frequently. Run air purifiers within your home to capture particulates. 


One thing some of my patients have noted that since they have been wearing N95 masks to protect from COVID that they have had less respiratory issues from wildfire smoke exposure. Remember that a mask for this purpose needs to be snugly fit to the face to have a protective effect. 


Clean up after exposure If you do get outside, make sure that you have a shower right when you get home. This will cleanse your skin. Keep hydrated as remember your lungs are working overtime right now. Throw in some electrolytes into your water to support water retention. 


Reduce strain Keep physical activity indoors where the air is cleaner. Exercise increases inhalation & lung exposure to pollutants. 


Support Repair There are a variety of ways to do aid repair. The approach you take will depend on your own state of health. Adding in antioxidants - that counteract the damage done by wildfire smoke particulates - is often beneficial. This includes supplements like Vitamin C, glutathione, NAC and quercetin. 


I will be that the more grateful for seeing the first signs of snow flying this fall up at the hill. Not only is it an indication that winter is near. It will also a confirmatory sign that wildfire season is behind us. 


Dr. Deirdre O’Neill, Naturopathic Physician, has an expertise in Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma using Ultrasound Guidance. She practices in Penticton at Alpine Natural Health. You can also find her on the hill as part of the volunteer Canadian Ski Patrol.