Potential health effects of wildfire smoke
PINELLAS COUNTY - Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
Article published on Tuesday, May 8, 2007  |
According to a press release from the Pinellas County Health Department, exposure to smoke can cause: coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes, runny noses and asthma problems.
Health department officials said people with heart or lung disease might see a worsening of conditions due to breathing wildfire smoke. People with heart disease might experience: chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by causing an inability to breathe normally, increase of coughing with or without mucus, chest discomfort and wheezing and shortness of breath.
People with heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, COPD, emphysema or asthma, may be at higher risk of having health problems 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 more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors.
Health department officials advise that residents pay attention to local air quality reports. Listen and watch for news or health warnings about smoke. Also pay attention to public health messages about taking additional safety measures.
People who are advised to stay indoors should keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot outside. Run an air conditioner if possible, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.
Follow doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
Do not rely on dust masks for protection. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. An “N95” mask, properly worn, will offer some protection.
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Article published on Tuesday, May 8, 2007
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