Understanding the complex health risks of wildfire smoke

Wildfires are continuing to become increasingly common throughout the U.S. and neighboring Canadian provinces. Air quality may be affected in those regions and even trigger respiratory health issues thousands of miles away.

The dangers of wildfire smoke

The composition of wildfire smoke includes various pollutants. Those with ultrafine particles pose the most significant threat because they can infiltrate deep into the lungs. This can trigger inflammation and exacerbate preexisting respiratory conditions. The array of respiratory irritants in smoke, including hydrocarbons and other organic chemicals, can cause symptoms from coughing and wheezing to chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Wildfire smoke also can affect your cardiovascular health. Fine particulate matter can potentially enter the bloodstream, where it can bring on systemic inflammation and worsen cardiovascular conditions.

The health effects of breathing in wildfire smoke may include:

• Asthma attack
• Chest pains
• Coughing
• Fast heartbeat
• Headaches
• Runny nose
• Scratchy throat
• Sinus irritation
• Stinging eyes
• Tiredness
• Trouble breathing comfortably, wheezing and shortness of breath

People with preexisting heart disease or hypertension may experience symptoms from elevated levels of wildfire smoke, including chest pain, palpitations and fatigue.

Children are particularly susceptible to environmental pollutants because their respiratory systems are still developing.

While it can be challenging to keep children indoors, especially when the weather appears otherwise pleasant, it's crucial to be aware of the weather conditions and the air quality. If the air quality is marginal, it's OK for children to spend limited time outside. If the air quality is bad, find an alternative activity indoors until the air quality has improved.

Older adults with compromised lung function and reduced tolerance to respiratory stressors should pay particular attention to air quality during wildfire events and adjust their activities accordingly.

Managing chronic conditions

People with preexisting respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) and bronchitis are at elevated risk of worsening symptoms and respiratory distress during times of poor air quality.

People who need relief from pervasive smoke can seek sanctuary in indoor environments with filtered air conditioning systems.

People managing chronic respiratory conditions should talk to their healthcare team about how to handle times when there is poor outdoor air quality. Ensure you have a sufficient supply of medications, including rescue inhalers and controller medications. Establish an action plan that outlines steps to manage any symptoms and when to seek care, if needed, for any wildfire smoke exposure.

Be aware of air quality in your area

Monitoring air quality indexes and advisories are crucial to minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants.

Just as you check the weather forecast each day, check the air quality index for your area. And just as you'd carry an umbrella to be prepared for rain, think about carrying personal protective equipment like an N95 respirator mask, which does a great job filtering out small particles from wildfire smoke, should you need it.

The U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) measures air pollution according to the Clean Air Act of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The AQI has six color-coded categories to help you quickly determine the air quality in your community:

• Green — Air pollution poses little to no risk, and the air quality is satisfactory.
• Yellow — Air quality is acceptable, but there may be a risk for people sensitive to air pollution.
• Orange — While most people are unlikely to be affected, people sensitive to air pollution may experience health effects.
• Purple — The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
• Maroon — Everyone is likely to be affected by the hazardous conditions.

Visit AirNow for real-time updates and guidance on whether your area is affected by smoke and fire. It's a valuable resource for monitoring air quality indexes and accessing needed information during wildfire events.