Wildfires in Canada are generating massive amounts of smoke, threatening the health of millions of North Americans.As plumes of smoke from raging wildfires in Canada make their way across the border into parts of the United States, it’s imperative to comprehend the measures you can take to safeguard yourself from potentially deadly levels of air pollution. Laden with toxic gases and particulate matter, wildfire smoke poses a significant threat to public health. These particulates, ranging from visible soot to microscopic particles, have the ability to infiltrate the respiratory system, causing a range of health issues. Understanding these risks and implementing preventive measures is paramount for personal well-being amidst this environmental challenge.
Experts warn smoke pollution can harm your health, whether you’re outside or indoors. Here’s everything you need to know to keep yourself safe.
Smoke from over 200 out-of-control wildfires in Canada is causing harmful and even dangerous levels of air pollution across North America. The smoke is affecting most of the United States, particularly the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and sections of the Southeast. According to theNational Weather Service, sections of the country seem like Mars, covered in an orange haze that obscures sunshine and causes temperatures to plummet to unexpected lows.
Northern areas of the United States have been hit the hardest, withIQAir.com momentarily ranking New York City as the most polluted large city in the world and Detroit in second place. “However, the smoke and associated pollutants from Northern Quebec fires are affecting as far south as Charlotte, North Carolina, and even further due to wind patterns,” saysRebecca Saari, PhD, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. “As a result, you’re seeing unhealthy levels of air quality in many areas.”
In addition to creating extensive physical damage, wildfires can lead to several health problems due to particles in the air and the toxic toxins they release.
People who are exposed to smoke from wildfires may experience mild symptoms like headaches, itchy throats, and stinging eyes, as well as more serious side effects including coughing and heart attacks.
“Wildfires are the largest environmental health risk factor contributing to premature deaths worldwide,” says Dr. Saari. According to arecent study conducted by experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, smoke from human-caused fires was responsible for the early deaths of 20,000 Americans in 2018.
Unfortunately, the fires are unlikely to be put out anytime soon. Due to “ongoing drought and long-term forecasts for warm temperatures,” theCanadian government predicts increased fire activity over most of the country throughout the 2023 wildfire season. Climate change is to blame for these conditions.
With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about how wildfire smoke may impact your health – even if you live thousands of miles away — and how to protect yourself.
What are the health risks of smoke exposure?
Wildfire smoke can make you sick in a number of ways. When wildfires burn, they release a mixture of gasses and fine particles into the air. These particles can be inhaled and can cause a number of health problems, including:
- Respiratory problems: Wildfire smoke can irritate your airways and make it difficult to breathe. This can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In people with asthma or COPD, wildfire smoke can trigger an asthma attack or flare-up of COPD symptoms.
- Heart problems: Wildfire smoke can irritate your lungs and make your heart work harder. This can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart problems.
- Eye problems: Wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes and cause them to water, burn, and itch.
- Sinus problems: Wildfire smoke can irritate your sinuses and cause them to become inflamed. This can lead to sinus headaches, congestion, and a runny nose.
- Skin problems: Wildfire smoke can irritate your skin and cause it to become dry, itchy, and red.
- Nervous system problems: Wildfire smoke can irritate your nervous system and can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
In some cases, wildfire smoke can even be fatal. “If you have extreme shortness of breath or worrying chest pain, go to an emergency room or call 911,” recommends Timothy Daum, MD, a pulmonologist at University of Michigan Health-West in Wyoming.
Who Is at Highest Risk From Wildfire Smoke?
Adults over the age of 65, children (with developing lungs), and pregnant women are the most vulnerable to wildfire smoke, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People at highest risk from wildfire smoke include:
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Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions:
People who have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, or other chronic respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke. The smoke can worsen their symptoms and lead to respiratory distress.
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Children:
Children, especially infants and young children, are more susceptible to the harmful effects of wildfire smoke due to their developing respiratory systems. They breathe in more air per pound of body weight compared to adults, which increases their exposure to pollutants.
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Older adults:
Older adults, particularly those over the age of 65, may have weakened immune systems or pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. They are more likely to experience severe health effects from exposure to wildfire smoke.
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Pregnant women:
Pregnant women are at higher risk because the particles in wildfire smoke can cross the placenta and affect fetal development. Exposure to smoke during pregnancy can also lead to complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight.
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Individuals with heart or cardiovascular conditions:
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and harmful gasses that can exacerbate existing heart conditions and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems.
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Outdoor workers:
People who work outdoors, such as firefighters, construction workers, and agricultural workers, are at increased risk of exposure to wildfire smoke. They spend more time in the outdoor environment and may have limited options to avoid smoke inhalation.
It’s important for individuals in high-risk groups to take precautions during periods of wildfire activity, such as staying indoors, using air purifiers, and following recommendations from local authorities or health organizations.
Why Wildfire Smoke is So Dangerous?
While all of the pollutants released by wildfire smoke can be harmful to your health, theEPA claims that fine particles from wildfire smoke represent the greatest risk. According to anarticle published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease, these particles are measured as PM2.5, ambient particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. Wildfire smoke is dangerous due to several factors:
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Particulate matter:
Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of particles of various sizes, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and coarse particles. These particles can be inhaled deep into the respiratory system and can penetrate the lungs. PM2.5 is of particular concern because it is small enough to enter the bloodstream and can cause widespread inflammation and damage to the body’s organs.
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Toxic gasses and chemicals:
Wildfire smoke releases a range of toxic gasses and chemicals, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and hazardous air pollutants. These substances can irritate the respiratory system, cause inflammation, and contribute to the development or worsening of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
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Air quality deterioration:
Wildfire smoke can significantly degrade air quality over large areas. The concentration of pollutants in the air increases dramatically during wildfires, leading to poor air quality that persists for days or even weeks. Prolonged exposure to such degraded air can have detrimental effects on respiratory health and overall well-being.
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Long-distance transport:
Wildfire smoke can travel long distances, affecting regions far from the actual fire. This means that even areas not directly impacted by wildfires can experience the harmful effects of smoke, making it a widespread health concern.
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Duration of exposure:
Wildfire events can last for days, weeks, or even months. Prolonged exposure to smoke increases the risk of health problems, as the body’s ability to cope with the pollutants diminishes over time.
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Cumulative effects:
Wildfire smoke often contains a complex mixture of pollutants that can have cumulative effects on health. Continuous exposure to these pollutants, even at lower concentrations, can have long-term consequences and increase the risk of developing respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues.
It is crucial to take precautions during periods of increased wildfire activity, such as staying indoors, using air purifiers, and following guidelines provided by local authorities to minimize exposure to wildfire smoke.
How do I know when air quality is poor?
To determine if air quality is poor, you can refer to the Air Quality Index (AQI) provided by local environmental agencies or meteorological services. The AQI is a numerical scale that provides information about the level of air pollution and its potential health effects.
Here are some ways to check the air quality:
- Check the air quality index (AQI):The AQI is a measure of air quality that ranges from 0 to 500. Good air quality has an AQI of 0 to 50, while unhealthy air quality has an AQI of 51 to 100. Very unhealthy air quality has an AQI of 151 to 200, and hazardous air quality has an AQI of 201 to 500. You can check the AQI for your area on the EPA’s website or on a local air quality website.Â
- Air quality mobile apps:ÂThere are various mobile applications available that provide real-time air quality information. These apps often use data from official monitoring stations to give you an indication of the current air quality in your area. Popular air quality apps include AirNow, Plume Labs’ Air Report, and BreezoMeter.Â
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Weather websites and apps:
Some weather services also include air quality information as part of their forecasts. Check popular weather websites or apps, and they might provide an AQI reading or air quality alerts for your location.
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Local news and media:
During periods of poor air quality, local news outlets may report on the situation and provide relevant information and warnings.
The AQI readings or color-coded classifications, which normally range from good (low risk) to hazardous (high risk), should be noted while assessing the quality of the air. For each category, there may be suggestions and safety measures that advise vulnerable populations to reduce their exposure to the outdoors or take extra safety precautions.
Keep in mind that the quality of the air might change during the day, so it is a good idea to check it frequently, particularly when there is more pollution or wildfire activity.
How to Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke?
To protect yourself from wildfire smoke, consider the following measures:
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Stay informed:
Stay updated on the status of wildfires in your area and pay attention to air quality reports and health advisories issued by local authorities. This will help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and necessary precautions.
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Stay indoors:
When the air quality is poor due to wildfire smoke, it is best to stay indoors as much as possible. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home. Use air purifiers or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to improve indoor air quality.
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Create a clean indoor environment:
minimize indoor pollution sources such as smoking, burning candles, or using gas-powered appliances. Avoid activities that can generate additional indoor pollutants, such as vacuuming, as it can stir up particles already present in the air.
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Use air conditioning:
If you have an air conditioning system in your home, set it to recirculate mode or use the “re-circ” option in your car’s ventilation system. This helps filter and recirculate the indoor air, reducing the amount of outdoor smoke entering the space.
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Avoid strenuous outdoor activities:
Physical exertion increases the amount of air you breathe in, increasing your exposure to smoke particles. Minimize or avoid outdoor activities that make you breathe heavily, such as jogging or vigorous exercise, during periods of poor air quality.
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Wear proper masks/respirators:
If you need to be outdoors for an extended period and the air quality is hazardous, consider wearing a mask or respirator specifically designed to filter out fine particles. Look for masks labeled as N95, N99, or N100, which provide better filtration efficiency. Note that these masks should fit properly and be worn constantly to be effective.
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Protect vulnerable individuals:
Take extra precautions to protect individuals who are more susceptible to the effects of wildfire smoke, such as children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Ensure they have access to clean indoor spaces and follow any specific recommendations from healthcare professionals.
Remember, it’s important to follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by local authorities during periods of wildfire activity and poor air quality.
How do I improve air quality indoors?
Improving air quality indoors can help create a healthier living environment. Here are some measures to improve indoor air quality:
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Ventilation:
Proper ventilation is crucial for reducing indoor air pollutants. Open windows and doors when outdoor air quality is good to allow fresh air to circulate. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas prone to moisture or pollutants. Consider using window or portable fans to enhance air movement.
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Use air purifiers:
Air purifiers with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters can effectively remove fine particles, allergens, and other pollutants from the air. Place them in rooms where you spend the most time, such as bedrooms or living rooms, and ensure they are appropriately sized for the room.
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Control indoor pollution sources:
Minimize or eliminate indoor pollution sources that release chemicals or particles into the air. Avoid smoking indoors, limit the use of chemical cleaning products, and choose low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) alternatives. Properly ventilate areas where pollutants may be generated, such as the kitchen when cooking or the garage when operating vehicles.
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Maintain clean spaces:
Regularly clean and vacuum your home to remove dust, allergens, and particles that may accumulate over time. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to capture smaller particles effectively. Dust and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to avoid spreading particles back into the air.
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Control humidity:
Maintaining optimal humidity levels can prevent mold growth and reduce the presence of allergens. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, such as basements or bathrooms, to control moisture levels. Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50% to inhibit mold and dust mite proliferation.
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Avoid using strong chemicals indoors:
Strong chemicals found in cleaning products, paints, and other household items can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Opt for natural or low-VOC alternatives whenever possible, and ensure good ventilation when using such products.
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Keep plants:
Indoor plants can help improve air quality by absorbing some pollutants and releasing oxygen. Consider adding house plants such as snake plants, spider plants, or peace lilies, which are known for their air-purifying qualities.
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Test for radon:
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into homes from the ground. It is a known carcinogen. Consider conducting a radon test to ensure levels are within acceptable limits. If elevated levels are detected, consult a professional to mitigate the issue.
Regular maintenance of HVAC systems, including changing filters and inspecting ducts, can also contribute to better indoor air quality. Additionally, promoting good personal hygiene, such as removing shoes at the entrance and regularly washing bedding, can help reduce indoor pollutants brought in from the outside.