Wildfire Pollution in California (and Elsewhere): How Bad for You is Exposure to Wildfire Smoke, and What Can You Do?
Every year we hear about wildfires running rampant in Southern California and other parts of the country. These fires are happening with increasing frequency, and we can expect to see more in the future. According to the Fourth National Climate Assessment, climate warming is expanding the areas burned by wildfires in the Western United States. As a result, you may wonder how exposure to wildfire smoke can affect your health.
Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke can include particles from vegetation and building materials mixed with gases from burned chemicals or organic material. If these enter your respiratory system, you could experience wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, or an asthma attack. You may also feel symptoms similar to a sinus infection with a runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and headaches.
What Can You Do?
If smoke from wildfires reaches your home or workplace, what can you do to reduce the impact? First, check the air quality index to see if you need to restrict your outdoor activities. If the air quality is low enough that you need to stay inside, keep your doors and windows closed. Make sure your air conditioning filter is clean and seal the fresh air intake to keep smoke out of your home. Don’t run the vacuum or burn candles, the fireplace, or your gas stove. If it’s too hot to keep your windows closed and you don’t have an air conditioner, seek shelter elsewhere.
If available, make sure you also check visibility guides before venturing outdoors. If you’ve been outside, change your clothes once you come indoors. Finally, don’t rely on dust masks from hardware stores. These masks tend to trap large particles near your mouth and nose. Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for respirator masks to see what your family should use.
Remember to stay safe and follow all local instructions and public health reports for staying inside and evacuating when necessary. If you are traveling to a national or state park, check to see if any wildfires are burning in the area or if park officials plan any controlled or prescribed burns in that area.
Contact us with any questions if you've been exposed to a fire smoke or another toxic substance. We've been helping victims of inhalation injuries since 1972. Call 888-910-6376.
