4 Ways to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
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Page last reviewed: September 5, 2024
For the General Public
Background:
Wildfires lead to high volumes of smoke and unhealthy air quality. Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, buildings, and other materials, and can affect people far from the fire source. Those at especially high risk include people with asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, young children, older adults, and pregnant individuals.
Symptoms of Smoke Exposure:
Common symptoms include eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. People with heart or respiratory conditions should take extra caution.
Precautions to Protect Your Health:
- Minimize outdoor activities.
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
- Use portable HEPA air filters to help clean indoor air.
- Run your AC on “recirculate mode” with a new filter.
- Avoid activities like vacuuming, frying food, or using gas-powered appliances
- If your health is being affected, consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve.
For Outdoor Workers:
- Wear a well fitted N-95 type mask while outdoors.
- Limit exertion.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Consult with your employer if you have specific concerns.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms that do not improve after moving indoors or into a safe air quality environment:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Palpitations
- Nausea or unusual fatigue
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
As always, if you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1.
For Health Care Providers:
Healthcare professionals should be alert to the possible adverse effects of smoke exposure, especially among high-risk individuals. Acute signs and symptoms include headache, eye and mucous membrane irritation, dyspnea, cough, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, and fatigue. Wildfire smoke exposure may exacerbate respiratory, metabolic, and cardiovascular chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, and congestive heart failure. Prompt treatment is crucial. Counsel patients on protective measures, including staying aware of air quality levels, staying indoors, using air filtration, and properly fitting N95 respirators when outdoors.