Wildfire smoke can cause dangerous levels of air pollution that can pose significant short and long-term health risks. Mooneydriver/Getty Images Wildfire smoke can contribute to dangerous levels of air pollution. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles which can contribute to shortness of breath and risk of infection. Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke poses a greater risk for severe health issues like cancer. There are many ways to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, including wearing a mask, staying indoors, and using air purifiers. Recent wildfires across Canada and the northeastern part of the United States sparked air pollution alerts. Smoke blowing along the continentҳ east coast created poor air quality conditions for millions of people. Itҳ not the first time large wildfires have caused such widespread health concerns and, unfortunately, it likely wonҴ be the last. But can you really do anything to protect yourself when the air outside has suddenly turned toxic and is it really that big of a health risk? Health experts say the answers are ӹesԠand ӹes.Լ/p> What are the dangers of exposure to wildfire smoke? ӗhen harmfulparticles and chemicals in smoke enter the respiratory system, they trigger an inflammatory response as the body attempts to protect itself,Ԡexplains Dr. Manan Shah, founder of and chief medical officer at Wyndly, an allergy care company. Chronic exposure can lead to more serious health conditions. ӆor people with existing lung disease likeasthma, bronchitis, or COPD,breathing in wildfire smoke can cause severe shortness of breath, increase mucous production, and can increase the risk for infection, which could require the need for antibiotics or even hospitalization,Ԡwarns Doug Laher, chief operating officer of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). In addition, Laher says carbon monoxide ֠found in wildfire smoke ֠canreduce the bloodҳ ability to carry oxygen, thus placing a strain on the vital organs which require oxygen to operate effectively. Prolonged exposure to smog, smoke, and other air pollutants can also pose a greater risk for more severe health issues likecancer. Ways to protect yourself against prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke Stay informed Do you know how polluted the air is in your area? Understanding the air quality where you are is an important first step in your protection plan. ӌearn about theAir Quality Index (AQI)and what the number represents,ԠLaher advises. Ӂ low number, for example, less than 50, suggests the air quality outside is clean and poses little to no risk. An AQI of over 300 means the air outside is heavily polluted, is of great concern, and hazardous to breathe.Լ/p> To find out what the AQI is in your area, type AQI plus your zip code into Google. Limit your time spent outdoors Whether itҳ going to work or nipping to the shop to stock up on groceries, being outside is an unavoidable part of life. However, both experts agree that you should limit time spent outside as much as possible. Itҳ a good idea to judge air quality levels before deciding to leave your home. Shah says itҳ especially important to stay indoors during exercise or other strenuous activities that increase breathing rates. Wear a mask If you must go outside,wear a mask. YouҬl need one that covers both your nose and mouth. Both Shah and Laher recommend wearing an N95 respirator mask that can filter out fine particles in the smoke. That said, itҳ important to be realistic about just how much protection a mask will offer you. The best course of action is still to avoid exposure to wildfire smoke as much as possible. Create a clean indoor environment To keep your home clear from wildfire smoke, Laher advisesinvesting in an air purifier. Ӂir purifiers with HEPA filters, pollutant sensors, and/or those with ionizing capabilities are best,Ԡhe says. ӓize matters too, so make sure to select an air purifier appropriately sized for the room you will use it in.Լ/p> Remember to keep windows and doors closed as well to prevent smoke from entering. Look out for drafts Wildfire smoke doesnҴ just waft into your home via open windows and doors. You should be mindful of drafts too. Examine your home and identify any gaps where smoke could waft in. Ӊf you have drafts coming from under doors, place a moist towel along the floor to prevent polluted air from entering your home,ԠLaher suggests. Use air conditioners correctly Ӊf you are in your car and are using your air conditioner, make sure that that air is being re-circulated from inside your car,ԠLaher advises. Ӕhe same is true for window air conditioners in your home.Լ/p> Maintain a healthy lifestyle DonҴ underestimate the importance of looking after yourself. If wildfires are threatening your health and safety and your home, it can be an incredibly stressful time. However, you shouldnҴ neglect basic self-care during this time. Shah says eating well, staying hydrated,getting enough sleep, and managing yourstress levels will help your body cope with the potential inflammation caused by exposure to wildfire smoke. Create an emergency plan Wildfire conditions can unexpectedly worsen, so to protect yourself itҳ important to have an emergency plan in case of the worst-case scenario. Keep an eye on the Air Quality Index and make a plan to evacuate should the level of pollution hit unsafe levels. Shah says your emergency plan should include identifying safe locations to go, packing essential items such as medications and important documents, and keeping your vehicle fueled up for a quick departure if necessary. Think long-term Events like wildfires force us to think more seriously about our respiratory health and the quality of the air that surrounds us, at least in the short term. But, with climate change, Shah believes respiratory health is something weҬl need to prioritize more and more. Ӕhese are not and should not be one-off conversations, especially as our planetҳ climate and air quality patterns continue to evolve,Ԡsays Shah. ӂreathing better is crucial for daily health maintenance and worth investing in beyond any one season. Whether battlingallergies, sleep issues, or poor air quality, it holds immense health benefits, including astrengthened immune system, increased oxygen intake, improved circulation, and reduced stress,Ԡhe points out.༯p>