Why Smoke Is Dangerous
Smoke from any fire including wildfires, structural fires, or a controlled burn, contains a mix of harmful particles and gases. Even if you can’t see or smell it strongly, it can still affect your health.
Key Components of Smoke
- Fine particles (PM2.5): Tiny particles that travel deep into your lungs and bloodstream.
- Toxic gases: Such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and other chemicals released when buildings, plastics, or vegetation burn.
- Irritants: Compounds that inflame eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory passages.
How Smoke Affects Your Body
- Eyes & Throat: Irritation, burning, coughing, sore throat.
- Lungs: Shortness of breath, wheezing, aggravated asthma or COPD..
- Heart: Increased risk of heart stress—especially for older adults and those with heart disease.
- Whole Body Effects: Fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and worsened chronic conditions.
People most at risk include children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and anyone with heart or lung conditions
How to Protect Yourself
Monitor Air Quality
- Check local Air Quality Index (AQI) using trusted sources like www.AirNow.gov.
- Limit outdoor activity when AQI is unhealthy or higher.
Reduce Smoke Exposure Indoors
- Limit outdoor activity when AQI is unhealthy or higher.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter if available.
- Use air conditioning on recirculate mode.
- Avoid burning candles, using gas stoves excessively, or vacuuming—these worsen indoor air.
Protect Yourself Outdoors
- Avoid areas of smoke, limit your time outside and limit strenuous activities that make you breathe deeply.
Prepare a Clean Air Room
- Choose one room to keep as smoke‑free as possible
- Use a HEPA purifier
- Keep doors/windows closed
- Seal gaps with towels if air leaks in
Look Out for Symptoms
- Seek medical help if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or heart symptoms
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Severe fatigue or dizziness
