Protecting your health from poor air quality

July 17, 2023 | by NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health
Categories: Healthy Driven Life

It’s hazy out there. The health consequences of wildfires in Canada are being felt across the United States this summer. Poor air quality from wildfire smoke and other pollutants is harmful to everyone, even those with no known preexisting conditions. Knowing how to protect yourself is crucial.

Symptoms can show within just days of wildfire smoke exposure. Prolonged exposure can damage the lungs and heart, or even weaken your immune system. The following are some of the symptoms and health risks that may result from wildfire smoke and pollutants, as well as prevention best practices.

General symptoms

  • Eye irritation
  • Fatigue
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing and/or wheezing
  • Shortness of breath

Respiratory effects

  • Inflammation
  • Bronchitis
  • Impaired lung function
  • Worsening asthma
  • Higher lung cancer risk

Cardiovascular effects

  • Heart failure
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Atrial fibrillation

Wildfire smoke is especially dangerous because of the fine particles it produces. With a diameter 30 times smaller than a piece of hair, these particles easily enter the nose and throat before traveling to the lungs and bloodstream. Compared to pollution particles the same size, wildfire smoke is up to 10 times more harmful.

Other harmful air pollutants

In addition to wildfire smoke, other harmful pollutants also lower air quality. These exist both indoors and outdoors, with the most common sources being:

Indoor

  • Fuel-burning appliances
  • Building materials and furnishings
  • Household cleaning products
  • Excess moisture

Outdoor

  • Electric utilities
  • Burning fuel
  • Transportation vehicles/equipment
  • Manufacturing processes

While our bodies have defense systems against some pollutants, too much exposure can overwhelm these defenses and render them less effective. Plus, tiny particles from wildfire smoke quickly bypass our natural defenses, like nose hair.

Risk factors

The exposure to daily pollutants and ongoing wildfires is a global health concern. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of negative health effects:

  • Asthma
  • Lung cancer
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Heart disease
  • Allergies
  • Age (children and adults older than 65)
  • Pregnancy
  • Compromised immune system

Prevention

Prevention and early intervention are key to combating poor air quality. Here’s how you can stay safe:

  1. Keep up with air quality forecasts. Consider downloading an app or using AirNow. The New York State Department of Public Health provides a simple guide to understanding the air quality index.
  2. Wear a mask. Using an N-95 mask is recommended in addition to double-masking.
  3. Evacuate or shelter inside if you can. If you are unable to relocate, try to find shelter indoors.
  4. Close windows and doors. This prevents harmful particles from entering your home or vehicle.
  5. Run AC on recirculate with a new filter. You will avoid inhaling vehicle exhaust.
  6. Use a CARB-certified air cleaner. These are portable and will help protect your home.
  7. Avoid vacuuming, frying food, or using gas-powered appliances. This reduces the number of unnecessary particles in the air.
  8. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Even if symptoms seem mild, seek care immediately if you have any concerns.

Need a doctor? NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health has a renowned team of primary care and urgent care providers throughout Chicagoland. Find a doctor at NorthShore University HealthSystem or Edward-Elmhurst Health and schedule an appointment.

Ortho Danielle Colan 750x500

World record-setting Olympic weightlifter finds relief from nerve pain after lumbar surgery

Danielle Colan, 47, of Gurnee, a competitive athlete and Olympic-style weightlifter, found relief from nerve pain afte...

Read More

Healthy Knees 750x500

Orthopaedic surgeon shares how to keep your knees healthy

The largest joint in the body — the knee — helps you stand, maintain your balance and do just about any kind of moveme...

Read More

Is sitting bad for spine 750x500

Is too much sitting bad for your health? 5 tips from an orthopaedic surgeon

In today’s world, where many of us spend extended periods of time sitting behind a screen and a keyboard, aches and...

Read More