Wildfires have become frequent news stories lately. From the forests of Canada, to the neighborhoods of Los Angeles, wildfires have affected millions of people. Many people think that if wildfires aren’t in their area, then they aren’t a danger. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles. In 2023, Canadian wildfire smoke was affecting air quality levels as far south as Florida!1 I remember seeing white, hazy skies all summer long in my Midwest neighborhood. I had to plan ahead and carefully limit my time outside so that my asthma wasn’t affected.
Wildfire smoke contains many different chemicals and particles that can affect your lungs. This can be dangerous for everyone, but especially those with chronic health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. If you breathe in wildfire smoke, you may notice symptoms such as: 2,3
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Raspy voice
- Cough
- Changes in mucus
- Watery eyes
- Chest pain
- Infections
One way to prevent these effects is to check the air quality in your area. You can find this information on smartphone apps, the local news, or by visiting government websites such as www.airnow.gov. These reports can tell you how healthy the air is right now, and you can also see the forecast for the coming days. They can also tell you what type of pollution there is in the air, such as particles, smoke, pollen, ozone, and humidity. Many people find it helpful to check their air quality before leaving the house in the morning. Then, they can prepare for days with poor air quality. This might include spending more time inside and avoiding activity during the most hot and humid parts of the day. If you have to go outside, you may want to wear a mask. There are special masks, called N95 respirators, which can filter out 95% of particles. It is also helpful to keep your windows closed and use an air purifier and/or air conditioner if you have one.2,3
If wildfires are common in your area, make sure you’re prepared. You may need to be ready to leave your home quickly and go to a safe place. Consider making a disaster plan in case you need to leave your home quickly. It is important to plan ahead for an emergency, especially when you have a chronic health condition like COPD. You can learn more about how to prepare for an unexpected emergency in our free Disaster Preparedness Plan. This plan is helpful for wildfires, but it is also useful for other events like power outages and severe weather. Download a free copy, fill it out, and be ready for any emergency that may strike!
Have you experienced any health effects from wildfire smoke? Share your best tips and tricks for staying well during these emergencies.
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