Wildfire Smoke Health Alert Issued for the U.S.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today published a Health Alert Network (CDCHAN-00495) reminding healthcare professionals seeing patients affected by wildfire smoke to be alert to the possible adverse effects, particularly among individuals at higher risk of severe outcomes.

Wildfire smoke exposure may exacerbate respiratory, metabolic, and cardiovascular chronic conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure.

Furthermore, people can be impacted even if they are not near the fire source due to exposure to particles of PM2.5, which are inhalable air pollutants with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 microns.

The acute signs and symptoms of smoke exposure include headache, eye, and mucous membrane irritation, dyspnea (trouble breathing), cough, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, and fatigue.

The CDC suggests people in effected areas stay indoors and limit time outdoors. If you must go outside when smoke is visible or can be smelled, reduce your smoke exposure by wearing an N95 or P100 respirator.

And keep track of smoke near you using AirNow’s “Fire and Smoke Map” or the AirNow app or by listening to the Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio.