As the smoke from wildfires in Canada continues to drift into some parts of the United States, doctors warn that even healthy individuals may face risks from prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Dr. Fernando Safdie, Chief of Pulmonary and Airway Surgery at a hospital in Florida and an expert in lung cancer, told Fox News, “The main issue is fine particulate matter pollution, also known as PM2.5. These particles are very small, about 30 times thinner than a human hair, and can penetrate the lungs, with the smallest particles even entering the bloodstream.”
He added, “The smoke also contains irritating gases, and it is this mixture that can trigger symptoms.”
According to him, the most common effects of wildfire smoke are irritation to the respiratory system. “Most people may experience burning or watery eyes, itchy throat, a runny nose, or coughing. Symptoms can progress to chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, headaches, fatigue, and increased heart rate.”
Doctors caution that for individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or chronic bronchitis, smoke can exacerbate their condition or worsen existing symptoms.
The American Heart Association states that wildfire smoke can also strain the cardiovascular system, leading to an increase in emergency room visits for conditions such as ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and stroke.
Currently, wildfires are still raging. According to NASA, there are over 180 wildfires burning in Ontario alone, with nearly 850 wildfires across Canada. Smoke is drifting towards the Midwest, Northern, and Northeastern regions of the United States, affecting more than 20 states, where residents have received widespread air quality alerts.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 100 unhealthy for sensitive groups and above 150 unhealthy for everyone. Even short-term exposure to wildfire-related fine particulate matter can exacerbate heart failure and result in premature death.
Based on EPA and recent research, long-term exposure increases the risks of premature death, chronic heart and lung diseases, lung cancer, decreased cognitive function and dementia, as well as complications like preterm births and low birth weight.
Dr. Safdie emphasizes that children are at the greatest risk as their lungs are still developing, and they need to inhale more air relative to their body size. Elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung diseases (such as asthma, COPD, or heart disease) are particularly vulnerable.
Dr. Safdie mentions that outdoor air quality hazards may not always be obvious, “Even if you don’t see the fire, you might still be exposed to smoke and breathe highly polluted air.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and EPA have issued the following protective measures:
1. Monitor air quality – before going outside, visit AirNow.gov to check the air quality. Sensitive individuals should limit outdoor activities when the AQI exceeds 100, and everyone should reduce outdoor activities when the AQI reaches or exceeds 150.
2. Stay indoors with closed doors and windows when smoke levels are high. If using air conditioning or central air systems, set them to recirculate indoor air to reduce the amount of outdoor smoke entering.
3. Purify indoor air with portable air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters or use the most efficient filter available. Avoid activities that can worsen indoor air pollution, such as burning candles, smoking, frying food, or using a vacuum cleaner when smoke levels are high.
4. Wear N95 masks when necessary. If you must stay outdoors during high smoke levels, a proper N95 mask can filter out most harmful fine particulate matter.
5. Reduce strenuous outdoor activities. Vigorous exercise can lead to increased breathing rate and depth, allowing more fine particulate matter to enter the lungs. Consider moving exercises indoors until air quality improves.
(Adapted from a report by FOX NEWS)