Why Wildfire Smoke Is Dangerous to Your Health

Californians are no strangers to wildfires, and unfortunately, these dangerous disasters are becoming more and more common in all of the western United States. In the early 1970s, the average wildfire season lasted about 5 months. Today, it averages a minimum of 7 months out of every calendar year. In the 1980s, wildfire season saw around 140 fires in a given year, but today, we see more than 250 wildfires each year. While there isn’t a whole lot we can do to minimize the onset of these devastating fires, individuals affected by them must be educated about their dangers and prepared in the event that one occurs nearby. Here we’ll go into some information necessary for those living in areas commonly affected by wildfires and wildfire smoke, including why the smoke is dangerous to your health, who may be at a higher risk of danger, how to protect yourself and best prepare for wildfire season, and what to do in case of a nearby fire.

Wildfire Smoke Is Dangerous to Your Health

No matter who you are and what your sensitivity to smoke is, wildfire smoke can be dangerous. Of course, certain individuals are more likely to experience health concerns due to wildfire smoke, but it can negatively affect everyone that breathes it in and no one should assume they are immune to the dangers of wildfire smoke. Because wildfire smoke comes from a number of different things burning, it is made up of several gases and particles that can be extremely harmful when breathed in. While the smoke itself can irritate the respiratory system, the fine particles in the smoke are actually more harmful than anything else. The particles can enter the lungs and wreak havoc on the heart, lungs, and entire respiratory system.

Wildfire smoke can cause minor health concerns, such as burning and watery eyes, a runny nose, a sore throat, headaches, tiredness, coughing, irritated sinuses, and wheezing. However, smoke can also bring about trouble breathing, chest pain, asthma attacks, an accelerated heartbeat, and bronchitis. For those with chronic or serious heart or lung conditions, wildfire smoke can further aggravate these conditions and lead to more serious health concerns. While it’s hard to know for sure if you are breathing in the fine particles that are in wildfire smoke, it’s a safe assumption that if you have any symptoms related to wildfire smoke exposure, even something as simple as burning eyes or a scratchy throat, then you have also breathed in harmful particles that could affect your health. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to wildfire smoke and have health concerns about it, you should find a doctor nearby and utilize their health care services. NCHS accepts all patients and is experienced in dealing with your health concerns.

People at a Higher Risk of Wildfire Smoke Health Problems

While anyone can be affected by wildfire smoke, certain individuals are more prone to smoke-related health problems and some groups of people should take extra precautions during wildfire season. Those with heart and lung conditions, such as heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, asthma, and more, should be incredibly careful during a wildfire as their conditions can be exacerbated and get very serious and dangerous quite quickly. Older adults are often at a high risk of experiencing health concerns due to wildfire smoke because they are already more at risk for heart and lung conditions than younger individuals. Children breathe in more air per pound of bodyweight than adults, meaning that they will inhale more smoke and particles per pound than adults. Since younger children’s respiratory systems are still developing, they tend to have more sensitivity to wildfire smoke and may experience negative side effects more quickly or more severely than an adult. In addition, pregnant women should be cautious since respiratory issues can affect their growing babies, and those with diabetes should be careful as they are more at risk for underlying heart disease.

How to Prepare for Wildfire Season

Whether you are more at-risk for particle-related and smoke-related health concerns or not, everyone should be informed and educated about the dangers of wildfires and smoke inhalation, and everyone should be as prepared as possible for any situation. If you are at high risk for smoke-related problems, find a doctor who will help you be prepared in the event that you are exposed to wildfire smoke. Discuss the logistics of when to leave the area if the smoke gets too bad, what medicine and how much you can have set aside in case of an emergency, and what to do should you experience severe reactions to smoke inhalation. Have your health care services contacts saved in your phone so you can make a quick call if need be, and discuss with your family what your plans are should a wildfire arise nearby.

Additionally, have non-perishable food and necessities stocked up at home so that you can avoid leaving the house for several days if the smoke outside is too bad. Many people think that if the wildfire is not in the immediate vicinity it is fine to go outdoors, but that is not the case. Check the local air quality reports before you leave the house or open a window, and be sure you’re prepared to remain at home for several days if the air quality is very poor.

Purchase an indoor air purifier for use in case of smoke exposure and poor air quality. Be careful with the type and size that you buy, as indoor air cleaners should remove particles from the air, be the right size for your house, and should not generate ozone. You should also be sure to change your air conditioner’s filter more frequently during wildfire season (and even more frequently if there is an actual fire nearby), and be sure to turn off your fresh air intake.

Another thing you should do to prepare for wildfire season is to purchase particulate masks. Unfortunately, dust masks and surgical masks are not enough to protect you from the harmful particles in the wildfire smoke, but you should have some effective respirators on hand in case you need them. These are known as N-95 or P-100 masks, and you can buy them online or in a nearby hardware store. The key to maximizing their effectiveness is using them properly, so be sure they fit well and are being used correctly.

What to Do During a Fire

If there is a wildfire blazing nearby or within close proximity, keep an eye on the news. Not only do you want to ensure that you are safe from the flames and fire itself, but you also need to listen for air quality reports and recommendations from the professionals. If you are told or urged to leave the area, take the proper precautions to minimize smoke inhalation outdoors and then vacate the area immediately. Even if the air quality reports are okay, try to minimize the time you spend outdoors when a wildfire is nearby. Smoke can travel quickly and it’s not always obvious when wildfire smoke and particles are in the air. If outside is smoky at all, whether by look or smell, avoid being outdoors if at all possible. If nothing else, avoid being outdoors for long periods of time and don’t do anything extremely physical while outside. Keep those at a higher risk of smoke inhalation problems indoors.

Do your best to keep the air inside your home as clean as possible. Running your indoor air purifier will help, as will keeping the windows and doors closed. Avoid burning anything indoors, including running a fireplace, grill, gas stove, and candles. Put off vacuuming until the air quality improves as that can stir up particles in the house.

During a wildfire, be very conscious and aware of your health and any smoke-related symptoms you may be experiencing. If you suspect you’ve breathed in too many fine particles or are experiencing life-threatening breathing problems, find a doctor quickly and seek health care services immediately. The Providers at North County Health Services can help you be prepared for wildfire season and can help you deal with any wildfire smoke-related illness you may face. We have multiple locations across the area and can serve those with or without an appointment in most cases. Contact us today to learn more about our health care services and find a doctor near you.

Submitted by North County Health Services