What's in smoke?
Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic matter burn. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles. The term PM (for particulate matter) is used to describe this type of pollutant. Other components of smoke include toxic gases like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone.
Particles smaller than 10 microns (PM 10) can make it past our body's defenses and lodge in our lungs' airways, or bronchial tubes. PM 2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 microns) are especially dangerous and can reach into the alveoli, or air sacs, of our lungs and into the bloodstream.
What are short term health risks?
Smoke particles can build up in our bodies and cause a number of immediate health problems including burning eyes, runny noses, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, and headaches. The assault by high levels of PM can overwhelm the lungs and mucus membranes, causing a mucus and soot buildup. This makes our bodies more susceptible to infections, such as sinusitis or bronchitis. The particles also can aggravate existing heart and lung disease such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and asthma. People with a prior heart attack are at higher risk for a second heart attack.
Who is most at risk?
- Children (they breathe more often, so exposure is heavier)
- Seniors (whose natural defenses against PM are more limited)
- Pregnant women – Your doctor would have the best advice for you because he/she knows about your condition. The reason pregnant women are at risk is because smoke causes constriction of blood vessels in the body. Because the placenta is full of blood vessels, your baby relies on getting an adequate blood flow. However, there are precautions that you can take to keep you and your baby safe. (refer to Health Advisory)
Can the lungs clean themselves out?
Yes, healthy lungs have a strong capacity to clean themselves. Inhaled particles get stuck in the mucus lining of the respiratory tract, and then tiny, hair-like cilia sweep the dirty mucus up to the back of the throat to be coughed out or swallowed. With much exposure to smoke, you may notice increased mucus and darkening of its color. Drink plenty of fluids to help replenish your body's mucus supply. Healthy adults should recover in about one week after exposure to the fires' smoke has stopped
Minimizing the Health effects of fire smoke.
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- Use air conditioning in cars and homes, and keep windows closed.
- If you must go out and feel that the smoke is impacting you, put a loose scarf or a painter's mask over your mouth and nose to partially filter the air.
- DO NOT exercise outside when smoke and air pollution are HEAVY!
- Seek medical treatment if you have uncontrolled coughing, wheezing or choking, or if breathing difficulty does not subside indoors.
Learn more about air quality and the associated health risks at Air Quality Ontario. For more information on forest fires in the District of Thunder Bay visit the Ministry of Natural Resources.