Record wildfires are wreaking havoc on Canada, causing smoke to spread to the Midwest and East Coast, potentially causing respiratory symptoms even for those who are otherwise healthy and without any heart or lung conditions. The air quality index (AQI) measures pollution levels in a city, and the higher the AQI, the greater the health concerns, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. When the AQI reaches 100, air pollution is considered “moderate,” and “unhealthy for sensitive individuals.” When it goes above 200, this changes to “unhealthy,” and “very unhealthy.” To put this in perspective, a 2020 study by the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment found that breathing in smoke from wildfires that raises the AQI to 150 for several days is equivalent to smoking seven cigarettes a day.
Breathing in smoke from wildfires can cause a range of symptoms such as coughing, trouble breathing, asthma attacks, stinging eyes, scratchy throats, runny nose, headaches, and chest pain. Wildfire smoke is a combination of pollutants including carbon monoxide, and particle pollution made up of acids, chemicals, soot, metals, dust, pollen, and mold. These particles can cause inflammation in the lungs and other parts of the body, with long-term exposure to high levels of wildfire smoke being found to be similar to chronic exposure to low levels of air pollution.
Comparing cigarette and wildfire smoke is appropriate, according to Dr. Afif El-Hasan, a volunteer medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association, due to the small pollutant particles in both types of smoke that can contain dust, soot, dirt, smoke, liquids, and chemicals, all of which can make their way into our bloodstream. Short-term exposure can cause bronchitis, reduced lung function, and increased risk of asthma, as well as an increased risk of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
Sensitive groups such as people with asthma and other respiratory diseases, people with cardiovascular disease, children under 18, pregnant women, older adults, people in low-income and marginalized communities, and outdoor workers are more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke on their lungs and overall health. Regardless of health status, limiting exposure by staying indoors, using air filters, and wearing N95 masks can help mitigate the harmful effects of smoke. It is also crucial for those with chronic lung disease or heart disease to take their medication regularly and have it on hand in case of an emergency.
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