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Wildfire smoke is like smoking 'half a pack a day.' Here's how to protect yourself
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota is causing poor air quality alerts across the U.S. Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest, with hazardous levels reported in Minnesota and record-setting pollution in Wisconsin and Vermont.
- Breathing wildfire smoke is comparable to smoking multiple cigarettes daily, posing serious health risks, especially for people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, children, older adults, and pregnant individuals.
- Emergency room visits for asthma and other respiratory issues significantly increase during wildfire smoke events, and long-term exposure may raise the risk of dementia and other chronic health problems.
- Wildfire smoke contains a toxic mixture of particles from burning organic material and synthetic household items, making it more harmful than typical pollution sources like car exhaust.
- To reduce exposure, experts recommend leaving smoky areas if possible, staying indoors with windows closed, using air filters, limiting physical activity, and wearing N95 masks when outside during heavy smoke conditions.
