Wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada is worsening air quality across the United States, prompting health warnings for millions of people from the Midwest to the Northeast. Forecasters warn conditions could worsen Thursday, July 16, as smoke from hundreds of active wildfires spreads into states including New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
More than 850 wildfires are burning across Canada, sending smoke deep into parts of the United States and triggering air quality alerts in multiple states. Health officials warn the fine particles in wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs, aggravate heart and respiratory conditions, and pose the greatest risks to children, older adults, people with underlying health conditions and animals.
Here’s what to know about the health risks of wildfire smoke and how to protect yourself, your children, seniors and pets as smoky conditions spread across the region.
What Is the Air Quality Index and How to Check It
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a scale from 0 to 500 used to measure how clean or polluted the outdoor air is. The AQI for your area can be checked on the AirNow website by entering your zip code, city or state.
Here’s a closer look at AQI values:
- 0 to 50 (Green): Air quality is good and poses little to no risk for air pollution.
- 51 to 100 (Yellow): Air quality is acceptable but there is a risk for some people, especially those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- 101 to 150 (Orange): Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects, but the general public is less likely to be affected.
- 151 to 200 (Red): Some members of the general public may experience health effects, and members of sensitive groups may experience serious health effects.
- 201 to 300 (Purple): The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
- 301 or higher (Maroon): Health warning of emergency conditions, as everyone is more likely to be affected.
Other Tips for Staying Safe from Wildfire Smoke
No matter your age or locale, the EPA provides the following tips for staying safe from wildfire smoke:
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Avoid activities that create more fine particles indoors, like smoking and vaping; using gas, propane or wood-burning stoves; spraying aerosol products; frying or boiling food; burning candles or incense and vacuuming without a HEPA filter.
- Consider purchasing N95 respirator masks to have on hand. These masks can often be purchased at hardware stores and drugstores. Cloth, paper masks and tissues do not filter out wildfire smoke.
- If you have a window air conditioning unit, close the air damper. If you cannot close the air damper, consider other cooling options like a fan. Make sure the seal between the air conditioner and window is as tight as possible.
- Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner or high-efficiency HVAC filter to improve indoor air quality. The California Air Resources Board maintains a list of approved air cleaners.
- Once the air quality improves, even temporarily, air out your home by opening windows and run exhaust fans.
Protecting Children During Wildfires
Children are especially vulnerable to wildfire smoke and ash as their lungs are still growing and developing. In areas with poor air quality, children should play inside.
Children should not rely on masks (even N95 masks) for protection from smoke, the EPA states. These masks are not designed to fit and protect children from wildfire smoke.
According to the EPA, children who breathe in wildfire smoke may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Chest pain and tightness
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Burning in the nose, throat and/or eyes
- Dizziness
If a child exhibits any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
Protecting Seniors from Wildfire Smoke
At the other end of the spectrum, lungs and immune systems become less resilient with age. Seniors who are more likely to have chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be especially mindful of exposure to wildfire smoke.
The tiny particles from wildfire smoke can slip into the lungs, triggering inflammation and making it harder for the body to get the oxygen it needs, which can lead to serious complications or even hospitalization for seniors, according to Alden Estates of Orland Park, an Illinois rehabilitation center.
How to Keep Pets Safe from Wildfire Smoke
Pets can also be affected by wildfire smoke. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends keeping pets indoors as much as possible, so limit outdoor potty breaks to only as long as necessary. Birds are particularly susceptible to wildfire smoke, the AVMA says, so they should not be allowed outside until conditions have stabilized.
The American Humane Society urges pet owners to be mindful of the following symptoms for smoke irritation:
- Coughing or gagging
- Red or watery eyes
- Nasal discharge
- Noise when breathing or fast breathing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Reduced appetite or thirst
If a pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, visit a vet immediately.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].
Reporting by Greta Cross and Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY / USA TODAY Unlimited Use
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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