One of the most concerning consequences of climate change is the escalation of wildfires. Thanks to increased temperatures and ongoing droughts, more and more wildfires are spreading smoke across North America.
While wildfires have been common in Western states like California for years, most recently, Canadian wildfires have been wreaking havoc on air quality in the Midwestern and Eastern US.
Breathing in smoke, of course, isn’t good for your health. But is there anything you can do to avoid it? We reached out to Dr. MeiLan K. Han, professor of medicine and chief of pulmonary and critical care at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for some advice.
Smoke contains potentially toxic chemicals that can be harmful to your health, in both the short and long term. Because it contains strong gasses and fumes, wildfire smoke can irritate the respiratory system. More concerning is particulate matter — tiny particles that get into your lungs when you breathe in. “Wildfire smoke particles are so small that they can get inhaled deeply into the lungs,” says Han.
Immediately after wildfire smoke exposure, you may notice symptoms of inflammation — maybe a cough due to irritated lungs, or a burning throat or eyes. If you have a preexisting lung condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your symptoms might get worse when you’re exposed to wildfire smoke.
Anyone with a preexisting lung condition is more vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke. The same is true for elderly people and babies, whose lungs may not be strong enough to cope with smoke exposure.
Breathing wildfire air for days or weeks can exacerbate existing lung disease or cause new lung problems, like asthma or COPD, in otherwise healthy people. “We also know that ultrafine particles in smoke can be taken up into the bloodstream from the lungs and potentially cause things like heart attacks and strokes,” says Han.
Most cities publish air quality indexes and will send alerts if you need to stay inside. Many are available online, either within existing weather apps, on government websites or through services like the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow app. “The higher the air quality index goes, the higher the health risk is,” says Han.
If you have to go outside, it’s a good idea to wear an N95-style mask that can filter out tiny particles from the smoke. Keep your windows closed at home and in the car, and if you’re driving, put the A/C on a recirculating setting so you don’t bring in air from the outside. Window A/C units typically don’t filter air as well, so consider using an air purifier in the same room if you have to run yours.
Taking steps to protect yourself from smoke can go a long way toward protecting your lungs. If you have central air conditioning, be sure you have a filter that can remove tiny particulate matter before circulating air in your house. Han recommends a MERV 13 filter, which you can find at home improvement stores.
For those with underlying lung conditions, it’s important to keep a rescue inhaler (most commonly, albuterol) on hand at all times. “We’ve had intermittent shortages of albuterol since the pandemic, so make sure you’re stocked up,” says Han.
A HEPA air filter can help reduce irritating particles in your home. If you’d rather not spend the money, Han recommends a DIY approach: “Get a standard box fan and a MERV 13 filter of the same size, then tape it to the front of the fan. As the air draws through and pushes out, it will actually get filtered and improve the air quality of the room you’re in.”
Most people don’t need to see a doctor after exposure to wildfire smoke. “It’s more about cumulative exposure over a period of years we get concerned about,” says Han. If you’re noticing bothersome symptoms, such as a cough that won’t let up, wheezing or shortness of breath, burning eyes or a sore throat, check in with your primary care provider. If you’re having trouble breathing, Han recommends going to the emergency department.
