What are the hazards of smoke?
The main pollutant in smoke is often referred to as PM2.5. These tiny particles result from incomplete combustion and are so small they can be airborne for long amounts of time and travel far distances increasing the likelihood of being inhaled. PM2.5 poses a serious health risk as it can travel into the respiratory tract, penetrate deep into the lungs and sometimes even enter the bloodstream.
While studies conclusively show poor health outcomes from chronic (i.e. months to years) exposures to poor air quality, the effects of acute (i.e. days to weeks) exposures to smoke, such as that from wildfires, have not been well characterized. However, increases in emergency room visits and asthma attacks are strongly correlated with air pollution episodes.
How does smoke affect me?
While the color-coded air quality index was developed to provide guidance for precautions to take to protect your health, everyone is different. We encourage you to pay attention to your body in poor air quality: if you are bothered by the smoke, especially if you are experiencing wheezing or difficulty breathing, try to find or create clean air and seek medical attention if needed.
Common Symptoms of Smoke Exposure:
Headache
Stinging or itchy eyes
Scratchy throat
Coughing
Trouble breathing
Changes in appetite
Lack of energy
Changes in sleep patterns
Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, irritable or depressed
Who is the most vulnerable?
Everyone is vulnerable when it comes to smoke, however there are groups of people at higher risk of experiencing health effects at lower levels of smoke.
Pregnant women
Children
Adults 65 and older
Individuals with heart and lung Disease
Individuals who have previously suffered a stroke
Unfortunately we can’t avoid fire season or wood stove smoke in the winter. However, there are things you can do to protect your health.
Know the air quality: Check Purple Air for real time air quality information to determine whether it is safe to be outside
Clean your indoor air: You can also invest in getting an air filtering system in your home, such as a free-standing air purifier with a HEPA filter; building a box fan air filter; or running your air conditioning on recirculation with an upgraded filter (MERV 13 is best)
Wear a mask: If you must be outside in poor air quality, wear a respirator or N95 mask. These masks are easily distinguished from other types of dust masks as they have two elastic straps that fit around the head
How can I protect myself?
Tips for Healthy Indoor Air:
- Purchase an indoor air purifier that uses a HEPA filter or build a box-fan filter
- Try to keep a tight house by keeping windows and doors closed
- Try to avoid frying or cooking on a stovetop indoors
- Use AC if you have the option and set it to recirculate air
- Try to minimize cleaning and vacuuming during smoke events to minimize additional dust exposure
- Do not burn tobacco, incense or candles