Smoke from wildfires affects everyone’s health

2017 is going down on record as being one of the most destructive and deadly years related to the vast number of wildfires that have swept across the United States.  Primarily located in the west and northwest, wild fires have done their damage all year long.   The beauty of Montana and Wyoming has suffered from raging wildfires to the northern regions of California where towns and lives have been obliterated.  Even the plains of Kansas and Oklahoma were not sparred as dry conditions ignited grass fires scorching more than 650,000 acres of land while killing thousands of cattle in the process.

Currently in the news, are the unbelievable wildfires racing through the elite neighborhoods of Los Angeles county and other areas of southern California, destroying homes and property worth millions being fueled by the Santa Ana winds.  The lives lost along with wildlife, land and homes incinerated by these wildfires, is unthinkable. If it wasn’t for the brave, tireless firefighters battling these fires day and night, the magnitude of destruction would be far worse.

For anyone living in areas affected by wildfires, be aware of how smoke from these fires is affecting your health.  While not everyone has the same sensitivity to wildfire smoke, it is still best to avoid breathing smoke as much as possible.  It is especially imperative to not be outdoors when the smoke is particularly thick.

Why is breathing wildfire smoke not good?

Some people may like the smell of smoke but keep in mind, smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn.  It is the fine particles from smoke that present the biggest health threat.  These microscopic particles can penetrate into your lungs causing a range of health problems.  You may notice your eyes are burning, having a runny nose or cough, more phlegm being produced to wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Who is at a greater risk?

Even though the smoke from wildfires can have an effect on anyone in the area, there will be certain people for whom it is especially important to pay attention to local air quality reports during a fire:

·      Anyone with heart or lung disease such as heart failure, angina, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, or asthma.

·      Older adults who are more likely to have heart or lung disease than young people

·      Babies to teenagers as their respiratory systems are still developing.  They also breathe more air and air pollution per pound of body weight than adults and are more likely to be outside.

·      Anyone with diabetes since they are more likely to have an underlying cardiovascular disease

·      Pregnant women as thick smoke is a potential health risk for them and their developing baby.

You can tell if smoke is beginning to affect you if you have developed a cough, runny nose, burning eyes, excess phlegm, wheezing and difficulty breathing.  Also, anyone with heart or lung disease whose symptoms may become worse which could include the following - chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, not being able to breathe as deeply, or having chest discomfort.

Do what it takes to protect your self

 The key factor is to pay attention to your surroundings, listen to fire and air quality reports and limit your exposure to smoke.  Here are other ways to protect yourself from breathing in potentially harmful smoke if you live in a region that tends to be fire-prone:

·      Avoid physical exertion outdoors if smoke is in the air

·      If you have asthma or other lung diseases, make sure you follow your doctor’s directions about taking your medications and follow your asthma management plan.  Call your health care provider if symptoms become worse.

·      Stay indoors and keep indoor air as clean as possible by doing the following:

·      Keep windows and doors closed

·      Run an air conditioner set to re-circulate and close the fresh-air intake.  Change the filters regularly.  If you do not have air conditioning, use fans to circulate the air. 

·      Close curtains to reduce heat gain during the hottest part of the day

·      Use an air cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce indoor air pollution

·      Don’t add to indoor pollution by using candles, incense, fireplaces, or gas stoves.  Don’t vacuum as vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home.  Don’t smoke, as smoking puts even more pollution into the air.

·      Consider leaving the area if the air quality becomes worse, especially if you are having health problems or sensitivity to the smoke.

·      Consider wearing a face mask when outdoors but first, consult with your health care provider.  Wearing a mask makes it more difficult to breathe which could worsen existing medical conditions.

·      Avoid outdoor exercise when air quality is poor. 

·      Avoid driving when possible if visibility is affected by the smoke.  If you must drive, keep the windows closed and use the air conditioner.