Wildfire smoke from Canada is impacting much of our area today, June 8th, causing unhealthy air quality. These conditions may continue over the next few days. Wildfire smoke can cause difficulty breathing, irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, fatigue, as well as an increased risk of respiratory infection. Young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with asthma, compromised immune or respiratory systems, and pets/animals are especially vulnerable.
Take Precautions:
- Stay indoors if possible: Keep the windows and doors closed to prevent the smoke from entering your home. Use air conditioning or fans to circulate the air inside, but make sure the air intake is set to recirculate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air.
- Limit physical activity: Avoid activities that can increase your exposure to smoke, such as exercising or spending extended periods outdoors. If you must go outside, try to do so when the smoke is less dense, and minimize your time outdoors.
- Create a clean air space: If you don't have air conditioning or need to improve indoor air quality further, consider using a portable air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. This can help remove fine particles from the air. Avoid activities that can introduce additional smoke or pollutants into your home, such as smoking, burning candles, using gas stoves without proper ventilation, and vacuuming, as doing so can stir up particles.
- Stay hydrated: Wildfire smoke can cause dryness and irritation in the throat and respiratory system. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and soothe your throat.
- Stay informed: Refer to https://fire.airnow.gov to see air quality in your area and follow any advice or guidelines from local authorities or public health agencies. They may recommend when it's safe to be outdoors or if there are any specific precautions you should take.
As these conditions persist, and in the days that follow, anyone who experiences symptoms or has symptoms that worsen, especially those indicative of heart disease or a heart condition, should consult their personal physician or seek immediate medical help.
For information, visit https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/when-smoke-is-in-the-air/.