The Haze Will Lift: When Will The Smoke Clear?

Wildfires can have devastating consequences for both humans and the environment. The smoke from wildfires can travel long distances, carrying harmful pollutants and particles that can negatively affect air quality and cause serious health issues, especially for vulnerable individuals. Inhaling wildfire smoke can lead to symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and eye irritation. So, when will the smoke clear? While it is challenging to provide a definitive timeline for the dissipation of smoke, there are proactive steps that individuals and communities can take to mitigate its impact and protect their health.

The health implications of smoke inhalation

Smoke inhalation is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications and even death. It occurs when one breathes in harmful smoke particles and gases, which can irritate and damage the airways and lungs. The health implications of smoke inhalation can range from short-term respiratory issues to long-term cardiovascular problems and can be influenced by factors such as the severity of exposure, pre-existing health conditions, and individual susceptibility.

In the short term, smoke inhalation can cause a range of respiratory symptoms, including coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, and noisy breathing. These symptoms arise due to the irritation and inflammation caused by the hot gases and particles in the smoke. The high temperature of the smoke can also burn the airways, causing further damage. Additionally, smoke can deplete oxygen levels, leading to asphyxiation and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This oxygen deprivation can have immediate and severe consequences, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Beyond the immediate effects, smoke inhalation can also contribute to long-term health issues. Fine particles from smoke can travel deeply into the respiratory tract and reach the lungs. Repeated or prolonged exposure to smoke has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and cancer. Even after a single episode of smoke inhalation, some individuals may experience persistent respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath, for an extended period during their recovery.

The treatment for smoke inhalation aims to address the immediate symptoms and prevent long-term complications. Oxygen therapy is often the most critical aspect of treatment, administered through various methods depending on the severity of symptoms. Bronchoscopy may be used to clear the airway of debris and secretions. Medications, such as bronchodilators and antibiotics, may also be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and prevent infections. In cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, hyperbaric oxygenation in a compression chamber is employed to facilitate the removal of carbon monoxide from the blood.

The recovery process from smoke inhalation varies for each individual and depends on the severity of the injuries and the overall lung health prior to the incident. It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly and follow up with healthcare providers as recommended. While recovery times can differ, it may take a few weeks for some individuals to recover from smoke inhalation fully.

How to protect yourself from smoke

Smoke is made up of tiny particles, and those that are 2.5 micrometres or smaller in size (known as PM2.5) are particularly concerning for health. These particles can enter deep into the airways and tissue of the lungs and can even travel to other organs. Evidence suggests that exposure to these particles can lead to persistent health problems, including dementia, Alzheimer's, preterm birth, and lung and brain cancer. People with pre-existing conditions, such as lung and heart disease, children, pregnant women, and older adults are more vulnerable to the effects of smoke exposure. To protect yourself from smoke, it is important to limit your exposure. Here are some ways to do that:

• Stay informed about air quality: Monitor smoke conditions in your area and make plans accordingly. Check current air quality conditions, district health advisories, and smoke prediction models to stay informed.
• Avoid smoky periods: Smoke levels can change rapidly throughout the day due to wind and weather conditions. Plan your activities to avoid being outdoors during periods of poor air quality.
• Stay indoors: During periods of elevated smoke levels, stay indoors as much as possible. Close all windows and doors to keep the indoor air clean. If it is too hot or the indoor air quality is poor, consider relocating to an area with cleaner air.
• Reduce physical activity: Lowering your physical activity can reduce the amount of inhaled pollutants and decrease health risks during smoke exposure.
• Wear a mask: When you need to go outdoors, wear a well-fitting mask with good filtration that seals tightly against your nose and mouth. N95 or P100 masks offer the best protection, while KN95 masks can also be effective if the others are not available.
• Seek medical attention: If you experience symptoms related to smoke exposure, such as difficulty breathing, prolonged coughing, or chest pain, contact your healthcare provider.

It is important to follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of smoke exposure.

How to improve indoor air quality during a smoke event

If you are experiencing poor outdoor air quality due to smoke events, it is important to take steps to improve indoor air quality and reduce smoke exposure. Here are some ways to do this:

Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home. If it gets too hot, use fans and air conditioning to stay cool. If you have an air conditioner, close the fresh air intake vent and use the recirculate option instead of outside "fresh" air. This also applies to central air systems; if there is a fresh or outdoor air circulation option, turn it off temporarily. If you have an HVAC system, set the system to recirculate mode or close the outdoor intake damper. Make sure your HVAC filter is in good condition and fits snugly in the filter slot. Have extra filters on hand and change them when they appear dirty or start releasing smoke odours.

If you have an evaporative cooler, cover the outside air intakes with 4-inch-thick high-efficiency (MERV 13) furnace filters. These external filters may need to be replaced frequently due to wind or rain damage. If you cannot do this, use the evaporative cooler sparingly as it can bring more smoke inside. Avoid using a swamp cooler as much as possible, as these bring air from outside to help cool your home.

Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner or a high-efficiency HVAC system filter to improve indoor air quality during a smoke event. If you decide to purchase a portable air cleaner, choose one that is sized for the room you will use it in and make sure it does not produce ozone. You can also refer to the EPA's research on DIY air cleaners to reduce wildfire smoke indoors.

It is also recommended to postpone house cleaning as vacuuming can temporarily worsen indoor air quality by kicking up dust and small particles unless your vacuum has HEPA filtration. Avoid strenuous activity, especially outdoors, as cardiovascular exercise increases the amount of air you inhale, increasing exposure to smoke. If you need to go outside, wear an N95 or KN95 mask (or better) to reduce smoke inhalation.

How to check the air quality in your area

It is important to stay updated on the air quality in your area, especially when it is affected by smoke. Smoke is a complex mixture of particles and gases, which can cause irritation and, over time, decrease lung function. It can also make us more susceptible to developing asthma, bronchitis, emphisema, and possibly cancer. Here are some ways to check the air quality in your area and take appropriate action:

Check Air Quality Index (AQI) Maps

AirNow.gov provides an interactive map that shows the current air quality for ozone or particulate matter (PM), whichever is highest. Each data point on the map represents a city or reporting area with a forecast. You can click on a specific location to get more detailed information about the air quality and the type of pollutants. The map data usually updates during the second half of the hour, so remember to refresh your screen to see the most recent information.

Use Air Quality Forecast

The Air Quality Forecast predicts the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for the day, issued by state and local air quality forecasters. Tomorrow's forecast is typically available by 4 p.m. local time. You can also use the Time Slider feature to review the AQI data for the previous 24 hours and pause or move through the hours to get a detailed understanding of the air quality trends.

Review Archive Data

If you want to review historical data, you can use the Archive Date picker on the AirNow website to choose a specific date and review the AQI for that date. The archive data provides information on particle pollution and ozone levels, with some archives going further back in time than others.

Consult Local Advisories

Local authorities often issue air quality advisories and public service announcements (PSAs) when there are concerns about smoke or poor air quality. For instance, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issues air quality advisories for specific counties and communities. Stay tuned to local news sources or follow local government agencies on social media to receive timely updates and advisories.

Install Air Quality Monitoring Apps

There are mobile apps available, such as the AirNow app, that can provide you with real-time air quality data for your specific location. These apps often offer features like alerts, forecasts, and historical data, allowing you to stay informed about the air quality in your immediate area.

Remember, if the air quality in your area is poor due to smoke or other pollutants, take necessary precautions. Stay indoors, reduce your exposure to indoor air pollution, and follow local guidelines to protect your health.

How smoke travels and how long it lingers

Smoke is a collection of gases and particles that are released into the air when a substance burns. When someone smokes a cigarette, most of the smoke doesn't go into their lungs but instead rises into the air around them. This is known as secondhand smoke or passive smoking, and it contains a mixture of gases and fine particles that can be harmful to the health of those who breathe it in.

Secondhand smoke consists of the smoke that a person exhales, as well as the ""sidestream" smoke that comes from the lit end of a cigarette. This smoke can contain over 7,000 harmful chemicals, including 70 known carcinogens. It is almost impossible to direct smoke away from those around you, and it can spread rapidly from room to room, even with open windows and doors.

The time that smoke lingers in the air depends on various factors, including the type of product used, the amount used, the duration of use, room size, ventilation, and surface types. In general, smoke can linger in the air for up to 2 to 3 hours after a cigarette is finished, but it can persist for up to 5 hours in some cases. Even if the smoke is no longer visible or detectable by smell, harmful chemicals may still be present, posing potential health risks, especially for sensitive groups such as children and those with respiratory conditions.

To reduce the impact of smoke, it is recommended to avoid smoking indoors or in confined spaces, as the harmful chemicals can reach hazardous levels. Smoking in cars with children present is illegal in many places due to the heightened health risks. Ventilation and air purification systems can also help reduce smoke concentrations, but they may not completely eliminate the presence of harmful chemicals.

Overall, understanding how smoke travels and lingers is crucial for mitigating its health impacts, especially for vulnerable individuals who may be unintentionally exposed to secondhand smoke.

Frequently asked questions