Wildfires are one of the most destructive natural disasters that can affect both the environment and human health. They are hard to predict and uncontrollable, so we need to be prepared for the potential dangers of wildfire smoke
In this blog post, I will tell you everything you need to know about the health effects of wildfire smoke, how to protect yourself and your loved ones, and why you should care about this issue.
What Is Wildfire Smoke And Why Is It Bad For You?
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of small particles, gases, and water vapor that can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
The small particles can travel deep into your lungs and cause a range of health problems, from minor irritation to serious exacerbation and infection. Wildfire smoke inhalation can also have long-term effects, such as pulmonary inflammation and heart failure.
Wildfire Smoke Health Effects
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure may vary depending on the level of pollution, the duration of exposure, and the individual’s sensitivity. Some common symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Stinging eyes
- A scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Irritated sinuses
- Wheezing and chest tightness
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- An asthma attack
- Tiredness
- Fast heartbeat
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Especially those with pre-existing conditions.
Are there any long-term effects?
The long-term effects of wildfire smoke are not fully understood, but there is growing evidence that suggests that repeated or prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke may have lasting consequences for your health such as:
- Chronic lung damage and scarring
- Increased risk of lung infections and bronchitis
- Reduced lung function and capacity
How to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
Check the Air Quality Index (AQI)
One of the best ways to protect yourself from wildfire smoke is to check the air quality index (AQI) before you go outside.
The AQI is a scale that measures the level of air pollution in your area based on five major air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
Scores range from 0 to 500, and higher values mean worse air quality. Keep an eye on the color-coded system to understand the health risks:
| AQI | Color | Meaning | Health Implications |
| 0 – 50 | Green | Good | Air quality is satisfactory and poses little or no risk |
| 51 – 100 | Yellow | Moderate | Air quality is acceptable but may pose a moderate health concern for sensitive groups |
| 101 – 150 | Orange | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Air quality is unhealthy for people with respiratory or heart conditions, older adults, children, and pregnant women |
| 151 – 200 | Red | Unhealthy | Air quality is unhealthy for everyone and may cause more serious health effects |
| 201 – 300 | Purple | Very Unhealthy | Air quality is very unhealthy and may trigger health emergencies |
| 301 – 500 | Maroon | Hazardous | Air quality is hazardous and may cause serious harm to everyone |
You can check the AQI for your location by visiting airnow.gov or using a mobile app. You should plan your outdoor activities wisely based on AQI readings and keep your health a top priority!
Reduce your exposure
Another way to protect yourself from wildfire smoke is to reduce your exposure as much as possible, especially when the AQI is high. Here are some tips to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke:
- Stay indoors: Keep all your doors and windows closed. Turn on the air conditioner to circulate indoor air and close the fresh air intake. If you don’t have an AC, seek shelter elsewhere if it is too hot inside.
- Cleanse indoor air: Use an air filter or a portable air cleaner to remove particles from the indoor air. Opt for the right size and type, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid using ozone-producing devices, such as ionizers or ozone generators, as they can worsen indoor air quality.
- No burning, no smoking: Avoid burning stuff, using fireplaces, cooking on gas stoves ỏ smoking. Do not vacuum to prevent stirring up dust and particles.
- Wear a mask: If you have to go outside, wear a mask that can filter out fine particles like N95 or P100. Ensure it fits snugly over your nose and mouth, and follow usage and disposal instructions.
- Ease up on outdoor activities: Physical activity can make you breathe faster and deeper, increasing your exposure to wildfire smoke. If you have to exercise outdoors, do it when the AQI is low, and avoid strenuous activities.
- Stay hydrated: Water can help flush out toxins from your body and prevent dehydration.
- Consult your doctor: Seek professional advice if you have any health concerns.
Prepare for the wildfire season
The wildfire season typically lasts from June to October in the United States, but it can vary depending on the weather and climate conditions. To prepare for the wildfire season, you should take some steps to protect yourself and your home from wildfire smoke:
- Create an emergency plan and kit: Create an emergency plan and kit. Know where to go and what to do in case of a wildfire or evacuation. Your kit should include water, food, meds, masks, flashlights, batteries, radio, phone charger, cash, and essential documents.
- Check your home’s ventilation system: Ensure a well-maintained home ventilation system that filters outdoor particles. Regularly replace or clean filters and seal gaps to keep smoke out.
- Create a clean room: Choose a windowless or minimally windowed room that can be sealed off. Outfit it with an air filter or portable air cleaner to keep it smoke-free during high AQI days.
- Stay informed: Stay updated with local news and weather reports. Rely on official sources like airnow.gov, inciweb.nwcg.gov, or ready.gov for alerts and notifications. Follow guidance from public health authorities.
Conclusion
Wildfire smoke is more than just a nuisance. It is a serious threat to our health and the environment. It affects millions of people worldwide, not only those who live near the fire zones. Wildfire smoke can cause many health problems, both short-term and long-term. For example, it can lead to respiratory infections, worsen asthma, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and even cause cancer. Moreover, wildfire smoke contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases and black carbon into the atmosphere. This makes the climate more unstable and increases the likelihood of more severe wildfires in the future.
We all have a responsibility to prevent wildfire smoke from getting worse. We need to take action to reduce the risk of wildfires in the first place. Some of the actions we can take are: managing forests effectively, creating fire breaks, and following fire bans. Furthermore, we need to support research and innovation in wildfire prediction, prevention, and suppression. This will help us be better prepared for this urgent challenge. Another important step is to switch to clean energy sources and reduce our carbon footprint. This will help us slow down climate change and lessen the impact of wildfires and their smoke.
