Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke

One of the things I love most about Montana is its big, blue skies and fresh air. I have been looking forward to being outside and enjoying some summertime activities. Unfortunately, Montana is experiencing a very hot, dry summer. With the heat and drought have come wildfires. As they increase here and in surrounding states, we are experiencing an increase in wildfire smoke. As our skies turn from blue to gray, it is important to understand the risks associated with wildfire season and plan for ways to stay healthy.

Smoke is unhealthy for everyone. Most healthy adults will recover from smoke exposure. However, some individuals are especially sensitive to health effects from smoke. Infants and children, pregnant women, adults 65 and older and people with heart and lung disease may experience more severe smoke-related health problems.

Children are considered more vulnerable regardless of any pre-existing conditions because their lungs are still developing. Pregnant women and their unborn children are at greater risk than the general population. Many of our older population have pre-existing heart and lung disease. Anyone with respiratory or heart disease may find that they experience more severe symptoms and find it harder to breathe. Exposure to smoke may be unhealthy simply due to the pollutants and microorganisms circulating in the smoke.

Smoke pollutants pose health threats that range from irritation and cough to more serious respiratory and cardiac risks. Both wildfire smoke and respiratory illness can cause considerable trouble breathing. When our bodies react to breathing smoke, the symptoms can look like a respiratory illness: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath. Breathing wildfire smoke can make the symptoms of a respiratory illness worse. The full impact of wildfire smoke is not yet fully understood. For those who have concerns about how wildfire smoke may impact your health, it is always good to discuss those concerns with your healthcare provider. Call your healthcare provider if you experience serious wheezing and shortness of breath — they can help you know whether you should be assessed. Call 911 if you are really struggling to breathe.

During wildfire events, take these steps to manage your risks.

• Monitor the local air quality. For the most up-to-date information visit the Today’s Air website at: http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/ to check current conditions in your surrounding area.

• Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and vents. Use an air purifier that can help remove smoke particles from the air. When using an air conditioner, set it to re-circulate and close the fresh air intake. Monitor indoor air quality if possible.

• Avoid activities that further pollute indoor air such as vacuuming and burning candles or incense.

• Stay indoors as much as possible.

• Limit strenuous outdoor activity to decrease the volume of inhaled air.

More wildfire smoke information may be found dphhs.mt.gov/airquality. For another great resource for information on wildfire smoke including how to build a DIY air filter, outdoor safety and a fun jingle and videos, go to Montana Wildfire Smoke’s web site. https://www.montanawildfiresmoke.org. Be safe and stay well.