Kiera Jefferson
Smoke from fires is a major source of air pollution and a significant health concern. It contains a mixture of gaseous pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, water vapour, and particle pollution. These particles, known as PM2.5, are extremely fine and can easily infiltrate the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, causing a range of adverse health effects. With the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, the health risks from smoke exposure are becoming more prevalent, affecting both outdoor and indoor air quality. As a result, it is crucial for individuals, especially those in vulnerable groups, to take precautions to minimise smoke inhalation and protect their health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Gaseous pollutants (e.g., carbon monoxide), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs]), water vapour, and particle pollution. |
| Particle Sizes | Coarse particles (PM10-2.5): larger than 2.5 µm and smaller than or equal to 10 µm. Fine particles (PM2.5): generally 2.5 µm in diameter or smaller. |
| Health Effects | Respiratory irritation, shortness of breath, worsening of asthma and heart disease, long-term neurological issues (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer's), increased hospital admissions. |
| Vulnerable Groups | Children, teenagers, older adults, pregnant people, those with heart/respiratory issues, people who work or exercise outdoors, pets. |
| Protection Measures | Stay indoors, use air conditioning/air purifiers, wear masks (N95, KN95, or N100 recommended), avoid strenuous activities, leave affected areas if possible. |
| Air Quality Monitoring | DEC's air quality forecast website, airnow.gov, Air Quality Index, local clean air agencies. |
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What You'll Learn
Fire smoke contains harmful particles
Fire smoke is a mixture of gaseous pollutants, hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), water vapour, and particle pollution. Particle pollution, also referred to as particulate matter (PM), is a general term for a mixture of solid and liquid droplets suspended in the air. These particles come in many shapes and sizes, with some so small that they are only visible using an electron microscope.
The particles in fire smoke vary depending on what is burning, how much oxygen is available, and the temperature. All smoke contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter (PM or soot). Smoke can also contain other chemicals, such as aldehydes, acid gases, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, styrene, metals, and dioxins.
Fine particles (also known as PM2.5) are generally 2.5 micrometres in diameter or smaller and represent the main pollutant emitted from wildfire smoke, comprising approximately 90% of the total particle mass. These fine particles can travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs, and causing a variety of health effects, including respiratory irritation and shortness of breath. They can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Ultrafine particles, which are generally classified as having diameters less than 0.1 micrometres, are also included in this group.
Coarse particles (also known as PM10-2.5) are particles with diameters generally larger than 2.5 micrometres and smaller than or equal to 10 micrometres. They are primarily generated from mechanical operations such as construction and agriculture, but a small percentage is present in wildfire smoke.
Recent toxicological studies suggest that wildfire particulate matter may be more toxic than equal doses of ambient PM2.5. Exposure to smoke, especially for those who live in areas with higher fine particulate air pollution, increases the risk of long-term health effects, including cardiovascular disease and mortality.
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The health risks of fire smoke
Smoke from fires releases particles and chemicals when carbon-containing materials burn. All smoke contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter (PM or soot). Smoke can also contain other chemicals, such as aldehydes, acid gases, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, styrene, metals, and dioxins. The particles and chemicals in smoke vary depending on what is burning, how much oxygen is available, and the temperature.
Inhaling smoke, even for a short time, can cause immediate health effects. Smoke irritates the eyes, nose, and throat, and its odor can be nauseating. Some people exposed to heavy smoke experience temporary changes in lung function, making breathing more difficult. Inhaling carbon monoxide decreases the body's oxygen supply and causes headaches, reduces alertness, and aggravates a heart condition known as angina. Fine particles from smoke (PM 2.5) can travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs. Inhaling these fine particles can cause respiratory irritation and shortness of breath, and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Exposure to smoke can also increase the risk of long-term health effects, including cardiovascular disease and mortality.
Particle pollution may also affect the body's ability to remove inhaled foreign materials, such as viruses and bacteria, from the lungs. Short-term exposures to fine particles are associated with an increased risk of exacerbating pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as premature mortality. Continuous exposure to smoke over multiple days may have a cumulative effect on lung function, with some studies reporting a progressive decline during burn seasons.
Those most at risk from the health effects of smoke include young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with existing health conditions, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular issues. People who exercise or work outdoors may also be more susceptible to the effects of smoke due to increased inhalation of polluted air. It is recommended that individuals in these sensitive groups spend more time indoors when smoke levels are high and use air conditioning or air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. When spending time outdoors is necessary, wearing a well-fitting mask, such as an N95 or KN95, can help reduce exposure to fine particles and gases in smoke.
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Protecting yourself from fire smoke
Fire smoke is a serious health concern. It contains a mixture of gaseous pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, water vapour, and particle pollution. Particle pollution represents the main component of fire smoke and the principal public health threat. These fine particles can travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs. Inhaling them can cause respiratory irritation, shortness of breath, and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
Stay Indoors
If possible, stay indoors, especially if you are in a group that is more at risk, such as children, older adults, people with heart or respiratory problems, and pregnant people. Keep windows and doors closed and seal off any openings to the outside, including vents, to help prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
Monitor Air Quality
Keep track of your local outdoor air quality using tools such as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at AirNow.gov or on your phone's weather app. This can help you decide whether to stay indoors or take extra precautions when going outside.
Use Air Purifiers and Masks
If you need to travel through smoky areas, use a car air purifier to keep the air inside your vehicle clean. You can also use a portable, personal air purifier to access clean air when other filtration systems are unavailable. When going outdoors, wear a mask with an N95, KN95, N100, or FFP2 rating to protect yourself from inhaling smoke particles.
Avoid Indoor Air Pollution
Avoid activities that can further pollute the indoor air, such as burning candles, using a fireplace, or vacuuming without a high-performance HEPA vacuum cleaner. These activities can become additional sources of indoor air pollutants.
Evacuate if Necessary
Listen to emergency alerts and authorities for any evacuation orders. Know how to evacuate safely and have a family disaster plan in place. Some evacuation centres may not accept pets, so check with local animal shelters or rescue groups if you need to bring your pets with you.
By following these precautions, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of fire smoke.
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The environmental impact of fire smoke
Fire smoke is a mixture of gaseous pollutants, hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), water vapour, and particle pollution. Particle pollution is the main component of fire smoke and the principal public health threat. These particles can be solid or liquid droplets suspended in the air, and they come in various sizes and shapes. The most common sources of particle pollution are combustion-related activities, such as wildfires.
The particles and chemicals in smoke depend on what is burning, the amount of oxygen available, and the temperature. All smoke contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter (PM or soot). Smoke can also contain other chemicals, such as aldehydes, acid gases, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, styrene, metals, and dioxins.
The health impacts of smoke exposure include the exacerbation of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and adverse birth outcomes. In addition, fine particles from smoke (PM2.5) can travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and potentially entering the bloodstream. These particles can cause respiratory irritation, shortness of breath, and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Exposure to smoke can also increase the risk of long-term health effects.
The environmental impacts of fire smoke are also significant. Wildfire smoke can travel thousands of miles and ascend high into the atmosphere, creating pollution and affecting incoming solar radiation. Specifically, brown carbon, produced by smouldering biological matter, has been found to appear in greater quantities in the upper atmosphere than previously thought. This can create either colder or warmer temperatures, potentially worsening climate change. As climate change contributes to longer and more intense wildfire seasons, there is a devastating cycle where wildfire smoke leads to worsening climate change, which, in turn, leads to more wildfires.
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How to reduce fire smoke pollution
Fire smoke is a serious health concern, as it contains a mixture of gaseous pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, water vapour, and
Check Air Quality Index and Stay Informed: Monitor your local outdoor air quality using resources like AirNow.gov, Air Quality Index, or Air Now Fire and Smoke Map. This information will help you make informed decisions about your daily activities and whether it's safe to go outside.
Limit Exposure: Avoid smoky areas and limit physical exertion when exposed to high levels of smoke. If you must be outdoors, reduce your outdoor exercise or choose lower-intensity activities to minimise smoke inhalation. If possible, stay indoors in a well-ventilated space with cleaner air.
Use Respiratory Protection: When exposed to smoky conditions, use respiratory protection like N95 respirators or masks to reduce your inhalation of fine particles and gases in smoke. Seek recommendations from healthcare providers on the best type of respiratory protection for your specific needs.
Air Filtration and Circulation: Utilise air conditioners, heat pumps, and fans to improve indoor air quality and circulation. Set your central air conditioning and heating system to "on" rather than "auto" to ensure constant filtration. Consider installing high-efficiency filters (MERV 13 rating or higher) and change the filters regularly, especially during smoke events. Stand-alone fans can also be used, but avoid whole-house fans that draw in outside air.
Community Education and Prevention: Educate your community about wildfire prevention and take simple, low-cost actions to reduce the potential for homes to ignite during a wildfire. This includes informing others about accidental ignitions and creating a safer environment. The U.S. Fire Administration provides resources to help communities prepare for and mitigate the impact of wildfires.
Stock up on Supplies: Minimise outdoor trips by stocking up on essential supplies, medications, and food. Utilise home delivery services to limit your exposure to smoky outdoor conditions.
By following these steps, you can actively reduce your exposure to fire smoke pollution and protect your health and that of your community.
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Frequently asked questions
Fire smoke is made up of gases and particles, also known as particulate matter or PM. These particles are dangerous if inhaled and can be inhaled into the lungs, causing respiratory issues.
Exposure to fire smoke can cause a variety of health issues, including respiratory irritation, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and headaches. It can also worsen existing medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and lung conditions. In the long term, exposure to fire smoke has been linked to neurological issues such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
If you are in an area affected by fire smoke, it is recommended to leave the area if possible. If you cannot leave, stay indoors and use air purifying machines or air conditioning to improve indoor air quality. If you must go outside, consider wearing a mask, such as an N95 or KN95, to reduce smoke inhalation.
Fire smoke is a form of air pollution that contributes to poor air quality. It releases particles and chemicals, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Wildfire smoke in particular has been linked to an increase in hospital admissions, demonstrating its negative impact on human health and the environment.
