By Marc Carrel
As wildfires continue to affect communities across California, people not only need to remain vigilant about the threat of flames, but also the health risks posed by wildfire smoke.
Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of fine particles (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and other harmful toxins and pollutants that can penetrate deep into the lungs, exacerbating conditions such as asthma, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses. Vulnerable populations — including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing lung and cardiovascular conditions — are at the highest risk of severe health complications.
Because wildfire smoke contains a mix of chemicals released from the burning of human-made materials the particles in wildfire smoke are much more toxic than those from burning wood or vegetation. It is estimated that wildfire smoke is 10 times more toxic than pollution from burning the most polluting fossil fuels like diesel.
Short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs, which can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. This can result in reduced lung function, increased risk of asthma attacks and exacerbation of other lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is the umbrella term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
It can also cause cardiovascular effects, such as increasing one’s risk of heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. The impact of long-term exposure to wildfire smoke is unknown, but recent research suggests long-term exposure to wildfire smoke can increase the odds of receiving a dementia diagnosis by 18%. To safeguard the health of you and your family, the following actions are recommended when there is a wildfire smoke event:
• Stay indoors: Keep windows and doors closed and use high-efficiency air purifiers to reduce indoor pollution levels. Avoid turning on your heat or air conditioning unless you have closed the vents to avoid pulling in outside air. Change your purifier and HVAC filters and make sure to use filters with a higher MERV rating (between 13 and 16) to capture more of the smallest particles in the air.
• Keep your indoor air clean: Make sure to avoid using your fireplace, lighting candles or incense, misting essential oils, using cleaners with strong fumes (such as ammonia or bleach) or fragrances (e.g., Fabuloso), turning on gas-powered stoves, using a vacuum (which can actually stir up dust), or cooking with butter, olive oil, or other cooking products that have a low smoke point. All of these will make it harder to breathe in your home when you can’t open the windows for ventilation.
• Avoid outdoor activities: Limit outdoor exposure, especially for sensitive groups (children, seniors, those with existing conditions), until air quality improves. Exercising outdoors poses a greater risk because it makes you take larger breaths, which draws in more air pollution each time you inhale.
• Wear proper masks: Use N95 or KN95 masks if outdoor exposure is unavoidable, as they are most effective at filtering out fine particles. Make sure they fit tight against your face and don’t leave any gaps.
• Monitor air quality: Stay informed through local air quality reports and apps to plan daily activities accordingly. Check the AirNow website for real-time air quality updates by visiting airnow.gov for guidance on how much smoke is in the air. (Other useful sites include IQAir Map, and Purple Air AQI Map.) Remember that the score varies during the day because existing fires can grow, new fires can arise, and the winds can change direction and speed. Just because you can’t see or smell the smoke doesn’t mean the air isn’t dangerous.
• Prepare for evacuations: Have an emergency plan, especially for those with respiratory illnesses who may need immediate medical attention. Make sure to pack a week’s worth of your medications. Visit CalFire’s Readyforwildfire.org site to get information on preparing a wildfire action plan and to see a checklist for preparing a go-bag if your neighborhood is evacuated.
Marc Carrel is the president and CEO of Breathe Southern California, an environmental health nonprofit dedicated to improving Southern Californians’ air quality and lung health. Learn more at breathesocal.org.
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