By Lauren Birtwhistle and Carole Bucher |
Reno Sparks Air Quality Hot Line:
775-785-4110
All-Area Air Quality Online Info:
www.airquality.org
www.wunderground.com
The smoky haze in our part of the world has been a formidable challenge this summer, and we’ve all been a little choked up by it. Lightning storms have sparked hundreds of fires throughout California. Now, smoke is pouring along the west coast. In some places, the smoke has been so bad that local athletic competitions have been canceled. So what exactly are we inhaling and what can we do about it?
What’s in the Smoke?
Wildfire smoke is mostly small particles, gases and water vapor that include trace amounts of hazardous air pollutants.
• Particulate from smoke is a mixture of solid particles – pieces of wood and other solids that are burning – and liquid droplets. These are very small, generally <2.5 micrometers in diameter (a human hair is about 100 micrometers). Such small particles are more of a health concern than coarser particles that typically make up road dust, because they can be inhaled more deeply into the lungs.
• The incomplete burning of wood or other organic materials produces carbon monoxide, the gas in smoke. Its levels are highest during the smoldering stages of a fire.
Health Effects of Smoke:
• These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis.
• Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases – and are even linked to premature death in people with these conditions.
• If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma, you may experience health effects earlier and at lower smoke levels than healthy people.
• Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, possibly because they are more likely to have heart or lung diseases than younger people.
• Children are also more susceptible to smoke for several reasons: their respiratory systems are still developing; they breathe more air (and air pollution) per pound of body weight than adults; and they’re more likely to be active outdoors. (Information provided by U.S. EPA)
What About Wearing a Facemask?
Ordinary paper dust masks, handkerchiefs or bandannas do not filter out fine particles from brushfire smoke and therefore are generally not very useful in protecting your lungs. Special masks called ‘P1’ or ‘P2’ are suitable to filter brushfire smoke. They are available at most hardware stores and generally provide a greater degree of protection from inhaling fine particles. However, before deciding to wear a mask, consider the following:
• They can be hot and uncomfortable to wear.
• If the seal around the face and mouth is poor (eg. men with beards cannot get a good seal), the mask is much less effective.
• The masks do not filter out gases such as carbon monoxide.
• They can make it harder for you to breathe normally, so anyone with a pre-existing heart or lung condition should seek medical advice before using them.
• It is often better to stay indoors, away from the smoke unless you cannot avoid working outdoors.
Should I Purchase an Air Purifier?
Our research of this question yielded mixed results. But if you wish to purchase an air purifier, make sure to pay attention to the efficiency rating; i.e., the higher the better. Look for a 90% efficiency rate for the best smoke protection.
How to Protect Your Family from the Health Effects of Smoke
• Pay attention to local air quality index (AQI) reports and stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings related to smoke. If smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air changes — and so do the steps to protect yourself.
• Use common sense. If it looks smoky outside, it’s probably not a good time to mow the lawn, go for a run or for your children to play outdoors.
• If you are advised to stay indoors, take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep your windows and doors closed — unless it’s extremely hot outside. Drink extra water to keep your system flushed out and take antioxidants to keep your immune system strong.
• Run your air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, seek alternative shelter in hot weather. Try a museum or go to a movie.
• Help keep particle levels inside lower. *When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves — and even candles! *Don’t vacuum. That stirs up particles already inside your home. *And don’t smoke. That puts even more pollution in your lungs, and in the lungs of people around you. *If you have asthma or other lung disease, make sure you follow your doctor’s directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
• If you have heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, talk with your doctor about whether and when you should leave the area. When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors even though you may not be able to see them. Leaving the area is a good option.
References:
1. www.airquality.org/smokeimpact/
2. www.cleanair.utah.gov/what_is_smoke.htm
3. www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/emergency_mgmnt/bushfire_smoke.htm
4. www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/residair.html#particle%20removal
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