When fires break out one of the topics of concern for our health is air quality. What is the effect of fire on our health?
When wildfires burn the smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. This smoke can irritate your eyes and respiratory system so if you have asthma or other lung conditions you need to be extra careful. Older adults too as well as kids because their airways are still developing.
If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep your windows and doors closed unless it's extremely hot outside. If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.
Heads up....paper dust masks are not for small particles found in smoke so don't rely on those.
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