What You Need To Know
- Wildfire smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs
- It can even get into your circulatory system
- The smoke can also affect our pets
- There are a few things you can do to protect your health
What’s in wildfire smoke?
Wildfire smoke isn’t just a mix of gases. It also contains burnt material from plants, building material, and anything else the fire burns. Some particles are so small, they can penetrate deep into the lungs, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency states they can even get into our circulatory system.
Wildfire smoke affects the entire body
Smoke from wildfires can affect your health in many ways. The CDC says it can cause:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Asthma attacks
And wildfires don’t just affect the lungs. It can also cause:
- Headaches
- Fast heartbeat
- Stinging eyes
- Chest pains
- Tiredness
The people most prone to these effects are older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with respiratory and heart conditions. However, everyone should be cautious, especially when Air Quality Alerts go into effect for your area.
Pet risks
Smoke affects not only people. It can also harm your pets. According to Dr. Colleen Lambo, a veterinarian with The Vets, your furry friend can also experience the same respiratory issues. Smoke can lead to coughing, difficulty breathing, and even wheezing, so take care of your pets just as you would yourself.
What you can do to protect your health
There are a few things you can do to help protect yourself. Pay attention to your local weather and alerts that go into effect. Stay indoors as much as possible if the smoke is thick in your area and use an air filter to make sure the air in your home stays clean. Wearing a mask will protect your lungs if you have to go outside, filtering out harmful wildfire smoke particles. Don’t use a vacuum as it can stir up dust in your house, and avoid burning anything that could pollute the air more, such as candles.
Conclusion
Wildfire smoke can have severe effects on our health, and it is essential to take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our pets. By staying informed about air quality, taking steps to reduce exposure, and seeking medical attention if necessary, we can minimize the risks associated with wildfire smoke.
FAQs
Q: What are the health effects of wildfire smoke?
A: Wildfire smoke can cause respiratory issues, headaches, fast heartbeat, stinging eyes, chest pains, and tiredness.
Q: Who is most prone to the effects of wildfire smoke?
A: Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with respiratory and heart conditions are most prone to the effects of wildfire smoke.
Q: Can wildfire smoke affect my pets?
A: Yes, wildfire smoke can harm your pets, causing respiratory issues, coughing, difficulty breathing, and wheezing.
Q: What can I do to protect my health during a wildfire?
A: Pay attention to local weather and air quality alerts, stay indoors, use an air filter, wear a mask, and avoid burning anything that could pollute the air.
