Background and Aim

Wildfire disasters are a growing threat to Canada that can cause long lasting health conditions including breathing problems, heart disease, and death. Wildfire smoke can have especially negative effects on unborn babies in the womb while they are growing and developing. Research has found that babies exposed to wildfires before they are born are at higher risk for being born too small or premature, as well as developing birth defects, infections, and immune problems. Though little is known about how exactly prenatal wildfire exposure influences a child’s health and development, scientists suggest possible ways include through epigenetic modifications (changes to genes) and inflammation. The BC Wildfire Study’s goal is to better understand the risks of wildfire exposure during pregnancy on children’s health and development.

What does the study involve?

The BC Wildfire Study is fully virtual and involves collecting health, lifestyle, and personal information on all participating children and their parents through an online questionnaire, newborn dried blood spots, and data linkage. If you agree to take part in this study, the total amount of time required is approximately 90 minutes to complete the online survey.

Who can participate?

Your child may be eligible to participate if:

1. You are the biological mother of your child
2. You were pregnant with your child in British Columbia, Canada
3. You were pregnant sometime between 2016 and 2023
4. Your child was born in British Columbia, Canada

Your child may not be eligible to participate if:

1. Your child is a twin or triplet
2. You are unable to provide your child’s residential history (postal codes and cities) from when you were pregnant until now

Find out more

If you are interested in participating and eligible to enroll, you will be sent a link to sign our E-Consent form online.