Boise Wildfire Idaho

How Wildfire Smoke Affects Your Health

What Is Wildfire Smoke?

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and tiny particles produced when forests, grasslands, and other vegetation burn. It contains hundreds of different chemicals, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The composition of wildfire smoke can vary depending on the type of vegetation burning, the intensity of the fire, and the weather conditions.

How Wildfire Smoke Affects Your Health

Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It can also trigger asthma attacks, worsen chronic respiratory conditions, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung conditions are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of wildfire smoke.

Particulate matter

Particulate matter (PM) is the most harmful component of wildfire smoke. These tiny particles can get deep into your lungs and cause a range of health problems, including:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Increased risk of respiratory infections
• Asthma attacks
• Heart disease
• Stroke

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause CO poisoning. CO poisoning can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

Nitrogen oxides

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are gases that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. They can also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, another air pollutant that can cause respiratory problems.

VOCs

VOCs are a group of chemicals that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Some VOCs are also known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents).

How to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

Stay indoors

The best way to protect yourself from wildfire smoke is to stay indoors with the windows and doors closed.

If you must go outside, wear a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator. These respirators can help filter out PM and other harmful pollutants.

Use an air purifier

Air purifiers can help remove PM and other pollutants from the air in your home.

Look for an air purifier with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.

Avoid strenuous activity

Strenuous activity can increase your breathing rate and the amount of pollutants you inhale.

If you must exercise, do it indoors or in an area with good air quality.

Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep your throat moist and prevent dehydration.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you and worsen the effects of wildfire smoke.

Conclusion

Wildfire smoke can have a serious impact on your health. It can cause a range of health problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, increased risk of respiratory infections, asthma attacks, heart disease, and stroke.

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, including staying indoors, wearing a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator, using an air purifier, avoiding strenuous activity, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.

If you are experiencing any health problems due to wildfire smoke, please consult a doctor.