Massive wildfires raging in eastern Canada are sending huge plumes of smoke across the border, blanketing thousands of square miles in the Northeastern U.S. and Upper Midwest, and casting a haze over skies in New York. All that smoke isn’t a mere nuisance — it’s a legitimate health hazard, with the widespread plumes prompting air quality alerts from state health agencies.
A burning wildfire produces many different kinds of particles, many of which aren’t great for your health. Health authorities and researchers spend most of their time worrying about particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, known as PM2.5. For reference, human hairs range in width of between 17 and 180 micrometers. Our bodies have defenses like nose hairs designed to keep particles from entering our lungs when we breathe, but tiny PM2.5 particles are small enough to get past those barriers and settle in the lungs, which is why they’re of particular concern. From there, they may be able to enter the bloodstream, potentially damaging other parts of the body.
That’s why air quality alerts may warn residents to stay indoors when PM2.5 levels are high, and that people should avoid exercising outside under such conditions in order to limit how much PM2.5 they breathe deep into their lungs. This is particularly important for children, older people, and those with preexisting heart or lung problems. Being exposed to such particles can irritate your eyes, throat, nose, and lungs, and it can also cause you to cough and sneeze, or feel short of breath. It can also cause more serious effects, like triggering asthma attacks.
The best advice is to be aware of the risks and check for updates and guidance from local health authorities. If local officials say it’s best to stay indoors, make sure to keep doors and windows closed. Use home air purifiers and if you have to go outside wear an N95 mask to protect yourself.
To check the local air quality go to AirNow.gov and put in your zip code.
Health Services
Siek Campus Center, Suite 270