If you’re like me and live in the Midwest or a state that borders our neighbors to the north, chances are last summer you were seeing the effects of the Canadian wildfires. Even being many miles to the north, the smoke and fog still traveled down to us and created some pretty interesting weather. I remember some days going out in the middle of the day, during summer, and not being able to see my neighbor’s house.
It was like a fall thunderstorm with fog covering the area, but of course it being the heavy wildfire smoke. In my house we love to have the windows open throughout summer to let the fresh air in, but were somewhat forced to keep them closed with the air conditioning on because of all the air quality warnings from the smoke. I do have to say for the periods where it was really smoky out, I did smell really good. It was like I had a campfire next to me everywhere I went, I loved it.
But of course, wildfire smoke isn’t really healthy to be breathing in, especially In such large quantities. As someone with asthma, I can tell you my allergies and breathing trouble was exacerbated by the wildfire smoke.
How Can Wildfire Smoke Affect Breathing?
Breathing in the smoke from a wildfire can seriously affect one’s breathing and overall health, especially if the exposure is intense or prolonged. This smoke contains tiny particles known as PM2.5, a type of air pollutant that’s made up of microscopic particles that are 2.5 micrometers. These are small enough, when breathed in, to penetrate deep in your lungs and enter the bloodstream. If you are to breathe in these particles, they irritate your airways leading to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
This is especially dangerous for people with COPD or asthma, or other lung and heart conditions. As it can worsen their symptoms and trigger flare ups. Even people without these conditions can experience reduced lung function, throat irritation and even fatigue or losing consciousness.
Wildfire smoke carries harmful gases, carbon monoxide and other toxic chemicals, which can reduce oxygen levels in the body and further strain your respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The effects of this are even more pronounced in vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and pregnant individuals. Kids’ lungs are still developing, making them more sensitive to air pollution, while older adults often have weaker immune and respiratory systems. For pregnant individuals, exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to potential complications, including low birth weight in babies.
If you were to hold a position like a firefighter or were exposed to prolonged wildfire smoke, the increased risk of developing long term health problems like bronchitis or heart issues should be on your mind. The exposure can also weaken your immune system, making it alot easier to catch respiratory infections. If you are living in an area consistently affected by wildfire smoke, like California, it’s extremely crucial to take protective measures to minimize your exposure. If the air quality is very low and you have the ability to, stay indoors with windows closed. If you’re using an air purifier, make sure you’re also using it in unison with a HEPA filter to remove harmful particles from the air. If you absolutely have to be outside the home on a day where the smoke is intense, make sure to use an N95 mask when outside for additional protection. The impacts of wildfire smoke are not just physical; the stress and anxiety caused by prolonged exposure to poor air quality or the threat of wildfires can also take a toll on mental health, which in turn can weaken the body’s defenses.
How Can We Prevent Wildfires?
We all have seen the Smokey the Bear commercials and signs throughout our lives telling us, “Only you can prevent wildfires” but how can we take our favorite bear’s words to heart and do our part? Preventing wildfires takes a combination of responsible actions, public education and proactive policies to reduce the risk of fires starting or if they start, spreading.
One key strategy to prevent these fires is practicing safe fire habits in outdoor spaces no matter if there’s a burn risk or not. Campfires should always be kept at a manageable size, monitored and fully extinguished with water before leaving the site. Adding, avoid burning debris on windy days like leaves, which can easily fly out carrying embers and igniting surrounding areas. If you’re a smoker of any kind, all butts should never be flicked on the ground, but properly put out and thrown away in designated containers. Additionally, fireworks, which are a common cause of wildfires, should be avoided in dry and fire prone areas.
Homeowners, if you live in a fire prone region, reduce your wildfire risk by creating defensible space around your property. This entails clearing dead vegetation, trimming low-hanging branches and keeping gutters free of dry leaves and other debris. If you’re thinking about or are in the process of building your home, think about using fire resistant materials such as metal roofs and non-combustible siding which will reduce the risk of fire taking your home. For your landscaping consider using fire resistant plants and making sure your vegetation is watered regularly to prevent it from drying out, decreasing the risk of fire.
The local government and authorities can also help prevent wildfires by enforcing and teaching fire safety regulations, maintaining forest health and promoting public campaigns to increase awareness. Actions like controlled burns are an effective method for managing overgrown vegetation or dry and dead parts of your community’s wildlife. Thinning forests and removing the dead trees slows the spread of a wildfire if it was to break out.
Another way to prevent wildfires is teaching the next generation, and a great way to do this is to enroll your child in Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. When I was a Boy Scout throughout all the years we were taught and consistently reminded of fire safety and the proper ways to handle a fire. In fact, before we were even allowed to use a lighter or flint and steel to start a fire, we had to earn our Fireman’s Chip. This being a badge of sorts recognizing the seriousness that is creating and handling fire.
States Canadian fires affect
Ultimately, preventing wildfires requires collective effort and responsibility. By staying vigilant, following fire safety guidelines, and advocating for environmental stewardship, individuals and communities can play an active role in reducing wildfire risks and protecting lives, property, and ecosystems from devastating fires.