Wildfire Smoke Returns to New York: How to Protect Your Health

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has once again moved across New York, creating hazy skies, reducing visibility and raising concerns about the health effects of breathing polluted air.

The smoke contains a mixture of gases and tiny particles produced as trees, vegetation and, in some cases, buildings and other structures burn. One of the greatest health concerns is fine particulate matter known as PM2.5.

These particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs and may enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting more than just the respiratory system, according to Njoki Mwarumba, Ph.D., assistant professor of emergency management at Empire State University.

“The dangerous part here is the size of the particulate pollutant,” Mwarumba told Radio Catskill. “When you inhale that particle and it ends up in your lungs, it can also get into your bloodstream.”

Who is most at risk?

Wildfire smoke can affect anyone, but certain groups may experience symptoms sooner or more severely.

Those at greater risk include people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, older adults, pregnant people, young children and people with other underlying health conditions.

Mwarumba said people in those groups should begin taking precautions before air quality reaches levels considered unhealthy for the general population.

Even people without existing health problems may experience irritated eyes, a dry or sore throat, coughing or difficulty breathing when smoke levels are elevated.

Residents should pay attention to changes in their breathing and follow any guidance previously provided by their health care providers. Anyone experiencing serious difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms should seek medical attention.

Caregivers should also closely watch children and people with disabilities who may have difficulty explaining how they feel. Pets can also be affected by smoke and should spend less time outdoors during periods of poor air quality.

Check the Air Quality Index

Mwarumba recommends checking the Air Quality Index, or AQI, before exercising, working or spending extended periods outside.

The AQI uses a color-coded scale to describe pollution levels and possible health risks. Conditions can change throughout the day, so residents should check more than once, especially before outdoor activities.

People should also monitor information from local public health departments, emergency management offices and state officials.

Mwarumba said decisions should be based on several factors, including the AQI, official guidance, visible conditions and a person’s individual health needs.

Do masks help?

A properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask can reduce the amount of fine particulate matter a person inhales.

The mask should fit tightly over both the nose and mouth. Loose-fitting cloth or surgical masks generally do not provide the same level of protection against very small smoke particles.

However, wearing a mask does not eliminate all risk. During periods of especially poor air quality, people should limit the amount of time they spend outside, postpone strenuous activity and move exercise indoors when possible.

The precautions are particularly important for people whose jobs require them to work outdoors.

Protecting the air inside your home

Residents can also take steps to reduce the amount of smoke entering their homes.

Doors and windows should remain closed when outdoor air quality is poor, as long as doing so does not create dangerously hot indoor temperatures. Air conditioners should be set to recirculate indoor air when possible instead of pulling smoke-filled air inside.

Portable air cleaners with HEPA filters may also help remove fine particles from indoor spaces.

When driving, motorists can close their windows and use the vehicle’s recirculation setting.

People without access to safe, cool indoor air should check whether their community has opened cooling centers, clean-air shelters or other public facilities.

Communities must prepare for more smoke events

Mwarumba said wildfire seasons are becoming longer and fires are burning with greater intensity. Although the fires may be hundreds or thousands of miles away, their smoke can travel across national borders and affect communities far from the flames.

She said governments and communities must prepare by strengthening emergency plans, improving public communication, protecting outdoor workers and making clean indoor air accessible to vulnerable residents.

Preparedness will require cooperation among public health agencies, emergency managers, elected officials, researchers, community organizations and private businesses.

“These challenges exist not just locally, but in our region and across different continents,” Mwarumba said. “They do affect us one way or another.”

Mwarumba encouraged residents to treat wildfire smoke as a continuing public-health concern rather than an isolated event.

Individuals can reduce their exposure by monitoring the AQI, limiting outdoor activity, wearing a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask when necessary and keeping indoor air as clean as possible.