In the midst of California’s ongoing battle against wildfires, the lingering smoke left behind poses a significant concern. This smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles that result from the burning of vegetation and other materials. The National Weather Service (NWS) cautions that this smoke can travel far distances, potentially causing health issues for those exposed to it.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines some of the health risks associated with wildfire smoke, including coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, stinging eyes, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and asthma attacks. To help mitigate the impact of wildfire smoke on health, the NWS and American Red Cross offer some helpful recommendations.
One of their main suggestions is to stay indoors and keep windows closed to prevent smoke from entering the home. Additionally, keeping pets indoors is advised to protect their health as well. When using air conditioning, it’s important to keep the outdoor air intake closed and regularly clean the filter to prevent smoke from coming indoors. If outdoor activity is necessary, wearing a respirator such as an N95 or 9100 mask can reduce exposure to smoke particles significantly.
The CDC provides an Air Quality Index (AQI) chart that residents can use to monitor air quality in their area by entering their zip code on airnow.gov. This tool helps individuals take necessary precautions during times of wildfire smoke exposure to protect their health effectively.
In conclusion, while California battles its wildfires fiercely
