Alberta’s wildfire season is getting longer, more intense, and more unpredictable. While smoky skies affect everyone, first responders and outdoor workers, including wildland firefighters, construction crews, agricultural workers, delivery drivers, and municipal teams, face far higher exposure and greater long-term health risks.
At PulseAir Heart & Lung Centre, we regularly see Albertans whose jobs place them directly in poor air quality for days, weeks, or entire seasons. Understanding how smoke affects your lungs, both now and years down the road, is key to protecting your long-term health.
Why Smoke Exposure Is a Serious Concern for Outdoor Workers
Wildfire smoke is not just “dirty air.” Health Canada describes it as a complex mixture of gases and microscopic particles created when vegetation and human-made materials burn.
Common components include:
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that penetrates deep into the lungs
- Carbon monoxide, which reduces oxygen delivery
- Nitrogen oxides
- Benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Formaldehyde
- Toxic by-products released from burning plastics, treated wood, and building materials
These particles can remain airborne for long periods and travel hundreds, even thousands, of kilometres. Alberta is often affected by smoke from fires in British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, and northern Alberta itself.
For outdoor workers, this means higher breathing rates during physical work, deeper inhalation of pollutants, and longer exposure times compared to the general public.
Short-Term Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Even short-term smoke exposure can trigger symptoms, including:
- Burning or irritated eyes
- Sore throat
- Persistent coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches or lightheadedness
People with asthma, COPD, allergies, or heart conditions may experience symptoms faster and more severely, but even healthy individuals can be affected after repeated exposure.
Long‑Term Lung and Heart Risks of Repeated Smoke Exposure
1. Reduced Lung Function Over Time
Research shows that repeated exposure to elevated PM2.5 levels can lead to measurable declines in lung function, particularly when smoke exposure occurs over multiple seasons.
This may show up as reduced stamina, increased breathlessness during activity, and slower recovery after exertion.
2. Chronic Airway Inflammation
Ongoing smoke exposure can cause persistent inflammation in the airways, which may:
- Narrow breathing passages
- Increase airway sensitivity
- Make respiratory infections harder to recover from
For physically demanding jobs, this can impact safety, endurance, and job performance.
3. Increased Risk of Chronic Lung Conditions
Long-term exposure has been linked to increased risks of:
- Chronic bronchitis
- Asthma development or worsening symptoms
- COPD progression
These conditions often develop gradually, making regular monitoring especially important.
4. Cardiovascular Strain
Smoke doesn’t just impact your lungs; it can also have a major impact on your heart health. Fine particles can enter the bloodstream, contributing to:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased arrhythmia risk
- Higher risk of heart attack or stroke
Workers with pre-existing heart conditions are particularly vulnerable during heavy smoke periods.
Why First Responders Face Added Risks
First responders, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and municipal emergency crews, are often faced with:
- Direct proximity to smoke plumes
- Extended shifts with high physical exertion
- High‑heat environments
- Repeated annual exposure during wildfire seasons
These conditions can compound your long-term health risks, making a proactive approach to your care even more important.
Practical Ways to Protect Your Lungs on the Job
1. Use the Right Respiratory Protection
When smoke levels rise, wearing a properly fitted N95 mask or reusable respirator with a P100 filter can significantly reduce particle exposure. If your job requires high exertion, talk to your employer about proper mask rotation and rest periods.
2. Monitor Air Quality Before Each Shift
Tools like Alberta’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) can help you understand when the risk is high. On heavy smoke days:
- Reduce outdoor workload intensity where possible
- Rotate tasks to limit prolonged exposure
- Take breaks indoors or in filtered environments
3. Hydrate and Pace Yourself
Smoke exposure combined with heat or physical labour increases strain on both lungs and heart. Staying hydrated and pacing work can reduce physiological stress.
4. Support Your Lung Recovery After Work
After high-exposure days, help your lungs recover by:
- Using a cool-mist humidifier at home
- Performing gentle nasal rinses
- Avoiding indoor irritants (candles, strong cleaners, smoking or vaping)
- Sleeping in a clean-air space with an air purifier if available
When It’s Time to Get Checked
Book a lung or heart assessment if you notice:
- A cough lasting longer than three weeks
- New or worsening wheezing or shortness of breath
- Fatigue that doesn’t resolve with rest
- Chest discomfort during exertion
- Slower recovery after smoke-heavy workdays
- Declining stamina or job performance
Early testing can identify issues before they become long-term problems.
How PulseAir Can Help
At PulseAir Heart & Lung Centre, we offer comprehensive services to support Alberta’s first responders and outdoor workforce:
- Pulmonary function testing to measure lung performance
- Respiratory consultations for chronic or recurring symptoms
- Cardiology assessments, including ECGs and stress testing
- Education on air quality, breathing protection, and long‑term lung care
Whether you're managing ongoing symptoms or proactively monitoring your lung health due to occupational exposure, our team is here to help you breathe easier, on the job and off.