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Weather Safety and Preparedness Educational Topics

How Wildfire Smoke Can Impact Your Health (Credit: Center For Disease Control)

8/31/2018

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Throughout this summer, wildfires have impacted areas all around the world.  Earlier this month, a major disaster was declared for Northern California due to the active wildfires in the area. Additionally, British Columbia is experiencing its worst fire season on record. Millions of people across the world can be affected by these wildfires, even if they are not in immediate danger from the fires themselves. Since strong winds can carry wildfire smoke beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire, it is possible to be impacted by the smoke even if you are miles away from where the fire is burning.

Wildfire smoke is made up of gases and small particles from trees and plants burned by fires.  This can cause eye and respiratory system irritation to those exposed to it. Common symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure include: itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing, runny nose, and phlegm. Those with existing heart or lung conditions, including asthma, could see their symptoms exacerbated by prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke. For some people, wildfire smoke may just cause mild discomfort and irritation. However, others who are considered “high risk” may experience more severe discomfort. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that those at the highest risk for wildfire smoke related health issues are those with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, older adults, and children. Knowing the risks of exposure to wildfire smoke, what can you do to protect yourself?
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Air quality reports can be found through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at AirNow.gov or even through the local news.  These reports can help you stay informed on any impacts that wildfire smoke may be having on your area. If you are in an area that is being impacted by wildfire smoke, limit your time outside and try to keep indoor air as clean as possible. If you must be outside for extended periods of time, or if even minimal exposure is affecting any existing lung or heart condition, consider using a tight fitting respirator mask that covers both your nose and mouth.  Information on how to choose the proper respirator can be found on the EPA’s website.  More information on the health effects of wildfire smoke can be found through the CDC’s website.

For more information on weather preparedness and safety, click here!

© 2018 Meteorologist Stephanie Edwards

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  • Home
  • About
    • GWCC Is
    • Where in the World is GWCC?
    • Contact Us
  • Global Regions
    • Africa
    • Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea
    • Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean
    • Central and South America
    • Europe
    • North America
    • Indian Ocean and Asia
    • Polar Regions
    • South Pacific Ocean and Australia
    • Western Pacific Ocean
  • Weather
    • Applied Meteorology >
      • Air Quality
      • Aviation
      • Droughts
      • Fire Weather
      • Flooding
      • Geosciences
      • Global Environmental Topics
      • Weather Observations
    • Weather Education
    • Weather History
    • Weather Research
    • Weather Safety and Preparedness
    • Severe Weather
    • Social Sciences
    • Space Weather
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    • Weather and Health
    • Winter Weather
  • Climate
  • GWCC Global Imagery Archive
  • GWCC Window to the World
    • GOES-16 Live Satellite Imagery Portal
    • GOES-16 ABI Channel Description and Examples
    • GOES-16 ABI Satellite Products
    • GOES-17 Live Satellite Imagery Portal
    • Himawari-8 Live Satellite Imagery Portal
    • Meteosat-11 Live Satellite Imagery Portal
  • Kids Corner
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    • 6th to 12th grade
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