The Scary Truth About Lingering Wildfire Smoke

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Wildfire smoke is linked to a host of medical problems, even in people who are otherwise healthy.

Why is wildfire smoke so bad for us?

• Wildfire smoke is made up mainly of microscopic particulate matter 30 times smaller than the diameter of a strand of hair.
• The particles are made up of things like acids, chemicals, metals, soil and dust from whatever the fire is burning – including vegetation, buildings and vehicles.
• When inhaled, they can go deep inside the lungs and bloodstream.
• Research has shown smoke from wildfires is 10 times more hazardous to humans than similar pollution from other sources.
• The CDC says breathing in wildfire smoke can cause coughing, shortness of breath, increased heart rate and other immediate effects, even in healthy people.
• It can also aggravate chronic heart and lung conditions, increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, damage vital organs and shorten a person’s lifespan.

Weather.com meteorologist Danielle Banks adds:

• Air quality can be affected hundreds or thousands of miles away from the actual fire.
• Small particles of smoke can stay in the air and move through the atmosphere for weeks depending on how long the fires last.
• Pets can also be affected by unhealthy air and if possible, should be brought indoors.

What can you do to protect yourself?

• There are a few ways to track your local air quality index (AQI), including the federal government’s AirNow website and The Weather Channel app.
• NOAA says: “The AQI focuses on health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air.”
• For some people, health issues can start with relatively low AQI. The higher the number gets, the worse the effects.
• It may be necessary to stay indoors with windows and doors closed and avoid outdoor activities.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM

• Recipe For Disaster: The Weather That Fueled The Southern California Wildfires
• S​ave Your Skin From The Hidden Dangers Of Wildfire Smoke
• How To Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke

Weather.com staff writer Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.