Can Wildfire Smoke Affect Your Health - Even In Indiana?

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

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 pollution, which places stress on 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 additional pollutants like chemicals, heavy metals and harmful toxins.

"In addition to burning forests, you're burning urban areas and places where people live," said Peter DeCarlo, an associate professor of environmental health engineering at Johns Hopkins University. "When you start to burn people's homes, you're not only burning wood and grass and leaves anymore. You're also burning things like laptops and appliances and paint and plastics and other things."

Heart Risks From Wildfire Smoke

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 cardiovascular 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 are 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.

Lung Risks From Wildfire Smoke

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, and thus more likely to take in 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 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.

Masking Offers Some Protection From Smoke

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.

HealthDay News contributed information to this article.