Can Wildfire Smoke Affect Your Health - Even In Indiana?

Wildfire smoke from the Canadian wildfires has triggered air quality alerts this summer in Indiana.

But that haze isn't just stinging your eyes and choking your breath. It poses a direct threat to your heart and lung health, health experts say.

These huge wildfires fill the air with tiny particles that wind up deep in the lungs, contributing to a wide range of respiratory illnesses. The fires also create ozone smog, which stresses the heart and lungs.

The air quality is cause for concern because of tiny particulate matter, also called PM2.5, which is a dangerous pollutant. PM2.5 can travel deep in the lung tissue and enter the bloodstream, and it is associated with a variety of health issues, including asthma and heart disease. Additionally, the smoke from these wildfires can contain pollutants such as chemicals, heavy metals and harmful toxins.

"Even short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can make asthma symptoms worse and increase stress on your heart, particularly in older adults and people with existing health conditions," said pulmonologist Bashar Chihada Alhariri, MD, who practices at Franciscan Physician Network Pulmonary & Lung Nodule Clinic Munster in northwest Indiana.

Key Takeaways: Can Wildfire Smoke Affect Your Health?

• Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can enter the bloodstream and cause serious damage to both the heart and lungs.
• Exposure to heavy smoke is linked to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke, particularly within 24 hours of exposure.
• Children and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are at the highest risk and should prioritize staying indoors during air quality alerts.
• To protect indoor air quality, residents should keep windows closed, use high-efficiency air filters, and avoid activities that create additional indoor smoke, like frying or grilling.

Could Wildfire Smoke Increase Your Risk Of Heart Attack Or Stroke?

Several studies following wildfires in California in recent years linked smoke exposure to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest and a higher volume of visits to local emergency rooms for cardiovascular disease-related causes. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2020 found that exposure to heavy smoke during wildfires raised the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests up to 70%. 

Wildfire smoke exposure was associated with increased rates of emergency room visits, not just for breathing trouble, but also ischemic heart disease, irregular heart rhythm, heart failure, pulmonary embolism and stroke. ER visits increased 42% for heart attacks and 22% for ischemic heart disease within a day of exposure to dense wildfire smoke, the American Heart Association said. 

People with underlying heart disease risk factors may be at risk for an acute cardiovascular event when exposed to wildfire smoke. According to the American Heart Association, recognizing the signs of a heart attack or stroke is important, and if you or someone you’re with is experiencing serious symptoms, call 911 immediately. Knowing and performing CPR in the event of a cardiac arrest is also helpful.

What Does Wildfire Smoke Do To Your Lungs?

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) points out it’s important for everyone – but especially children and those who suffer from asthma and other respiratory illnesses – to stay indoors in order to not be exposed to smoke from the fires.

According to ACAAI, smoke from fires is a dangerous irritant to the eyes and respiratory system. It can make heart conditions and lung diseases like asthma worse. Children are especially vulnerable because their lungs are less developed, and they are closer to the ground, making them more likely to inhale more smoke.

Follow your healthcare provider’s advice and your asthma action plan if you have one.

How To Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke

People in areas where the smoke is thick or starting to build should check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's zip code-level tracking map of current air quality at airnow.gov. You should also stay informed about any special alerts sent by the local health department.

Limit outdoor activities and exercise on days when the air quality index reaches levels of unhealthy or worse, particularly if you have heart or lung problems.

Other tips to protect yourself from wildfire smoke include:

• Stay indoors with doors and windows closed.
• Use high-efficiency air filters in air conditioning systems or portable air cleaners.
• Avoid exertion.
• Keep well hydrated.
• Consider seeking other shelter if your home does not have an air conditioner and it’s too warm to stay inside.
• Avoid burning wood or making other unnecessary fires
• Avoid using gasoline-powered equipment or gas-powered recreational vehicles.
• Limit frying or grilling, which can make indoor air pollution even worse.

Get more tips on what to do on air quality alert days.

How Can You Protect Yourself During Air Quality Alerts?

If you must go outside, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says certain masks can offer some protection. An N-95 or P100 respirator, properly worn, can offer some protection from wildfire smoke.

Dust masks, surgical masks, bandanas and breathing through a wet cloth will not protect you from smoke, the CDC says.

When Should You See A Healthcare Provider?

Call a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Worsening asthma symptoms
• Symptoms that do not improve after air quality improves

Seek emergency care for:

• Chest pain
• Severe shortness of breath
• Stroke symptoms
• Heart attack symptoms
• Loss of consciousness

Frequently Asked Questions: Wildfire Smoke In Indiana

Can wildfire smoke reach Indiana?

Yes. Smoke particles can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles from large wildfires.

Is wildfire smoke dangerous if I don't have asthma?

Yes. Smoke can affect healthy people and may increase risks for heart and lung problems.

How do I check air quality in Indiana?

Visit Smogwatch.in.gov or AirNow.gov to monitor local alerts.

Are N95 masks effective against wildfire smoke?

Yes. Properly fitted N95 respirators provide more protection than cloth or surgical masks.