How wildfire smoke can impact your health
Even if your area hasn't been directly affected by wildfires, you may have noticed a grayish haze in the air. As we move into the hottest summer months, the fire season continues to worsen. This means more fires, occurring more frequently and with greater severity.
Even if you weren't forced to evacuate, wildfires can still cause lasting damage to you, your family, and our environment. In fact, one of the worst consequences of the increasing number of wildfires is the complex mixture of gases produced when organic matter burns—that is, smoke.
Smoke from forest fires can pose a significant threat to our health. In this article, we examine the impact of forest fire smoke on our health, who is most at risk, and how we can identify health hazards associated with dangerous air quality.
How wildfire smoke affects our health
Unfortunately, short-term exposure to wildfire smoke is quite harmful because it can reach deep into our lung tissue when inhaled and can increase inflammation. The long-term damage is unclear, but it is certain that the smoke has detrimental effects on our health.
Who is most at risk?
Some people are more sensitive to wildfire smoke than others. This does not mean you should breathe it in without taking any safety precautions or preventative measures if you are young, healthy, and have no pre-existing respiratory problems.
When smoke is dense enough to affect air quality, it can be bad for everyone. However, some people are particularly at risk. These individuals may want to pay close attention to air quality reports during fire season. This includes anyone who:
- Is an elderly person.
- A respiratory or cardiovascular disease. This can include angina, heart disease, emphysema, asthma, etc.
- Has diabetes or a potential for other underlying cardiovascular diseases.
- She is pregnant, as there may be effects on the health of the developing fetus and the mother.
- You are a child or young teenager because your respiratory system is still developing. Therefore, many children suffer from asthma.
Are you experiencing symptoms of smoke inhalation?
High concentrations of smoke pose a risk to anyone who may be near its effects, regardless of age, health, or illness. If you experience any of the following symptoms and are in an area affected by wildfires or wildfire smoke, you should seek medical attention or contact a doctor.
Symptoms of smoke inhalation or exposure to wildfire smoke include:
- Red and burning eyes
- Runny nose
- Cough and mucus
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest discomfort
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Throat irritation
If you have a vascular, lung, or heart condition and are experiencing symptoms from wildfire smoke exposure, consult a healthcare professional. They may be able to advise you on how to limit your exposure or how to make the most of staying indoors while air quality improves.
How to protect yourself from forest fire smoke?
Even if you are not in a high-risk category, it is wise to limit your exposure to smoke as much as possible. If you are particularly sensitive to the effects of wildfire smoke, it is best to consult your healthcare professional.
Consider buying a multi-day supply of foods that don't require cooking and/or are considered non-perishable. This can help ensure you cook as little as possible. Cooking, especially grilling or frying, can increase the accumulation of particles in the air and contribute to indoor pollution.
Buy an air filter. Some air purifiers will help reduce indoor particle levels.
Pay attention to local air quality reports. Some days, the concentration in the air will increase—and some days, it may be downright dangerous to go outside. If you have a medical condition or are at risk, you may want to take preventative measures even earlier than the guidelines suggest.
Do not plan to go running or spend much time exercising vigorously outdoors.
"Masks" will not protect your lungs from fine particles. Some masks, such as P-100 or N-95 respirators, may be suitable, but they must be properly fitted and purchased from specialized online stores or hardware stores.
If you are told to stay indoors, follow the rules and make sure all your doors and windows are closed. If you have an air conditioner, make sure it is working and clean so that no additional fumes are brought inside.
Undeniably, wildfires—or at least those occurring with the frequency and severity they have shown recently—have the potential to wreak havoc on our ecosystems, our health, our businesses, and our way of life. With the right preventative measures and the knowledge to stay informed, we can stay safe during fire season!