'Wildfire smoke is toxic, may cause health issues': Expert

Experts say that the smoke spread in Metro Vancouver due to forest fires is toxic and can cause many health problems.

Burnaby's Dr. Susan Kwan says the air is full of toxins that will make it difficult for people to breathe, whether they have health problems or not.

She said that air contains nitric oxide and aromatic hydrocarbons, and such elements are toxic to the body.

This can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, itching, pain or irritation in the nose.

Dr. Kwan says that to avoid these problems, limit your outdoor time and drink plenty of water.

The smoke is expected to persist for the next two days.