As Dr. Gulati explains, wildfire smoke contains all kinds of particles from burning landscapes, structures, and more. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, pollution from these particles is the main public health threat associated with wildfire smoke. Immediate symptoms include those you’d expect to experience from any smoke inhalation.
“Inhaling smoke can irritate your lungs and make you cough, wheeze, or just make it hard to breathe,” Dr. Gulati says. “It can also irritate your sinuses, nose, throat, and eyes.”
Related: Where to Donate Clothing and Toiletry Resources for California Wildfire Victims
How to tell if you’re at risk
If you’re near a wildfire and see a lot of smoke, that’s probably a pretty good indication that you’re being exposed to wildfire smoke. But it’s not always that simple.
“Even if you are not in the direct path of the fires, you should still be careful because wildfire smoke can travel far,” Dr. Gulati says.
Dr. Stowell recalls the June 2023 wildfires in Canada. Smoke from those fires blanketed parts of the United States, apparently causing a spike in emergency department visits for asthma-related symptoms in New York City, one of the places the smoke traveled.
So, how can you tell if you need to take precautions? Check the Air Quality Index. This rating system will tell you how healthy the air outside is for you to breathe, noting particular caution for people with certain health conditions. Dr. Gulati says you should be especially careful if you have a chronic disease like heart, lung or kidney disease.
Understanding the Air Quality Index
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool from the federal Environmental Protection Agency that rates outdoor air quality based on how it might impact human health. According to AirNow.gov (one of the places you can find the AQI, in addition to most smartphone weather apps), the higher the AQI, the more pollution in the air and the worse it is for your health.
AQI values of 0-100 are generally considered acceptable for most people. Values of 101-150 may impact members of sensitive groups, but the general public is less likely to be affected. Values of 151-200 are considered unhealthy, 201 to 300 are very unhealthy, and values of 301 or above are hazardous and constitute emergency conditions, according to the EPA. On January 8, parts of Pasadena, California, were registering a 645 AQI because of the wildfires.
If you see an AQI that could be harmful to you, it’s best to stay inside.
Related: LA Wildfires: Photos Show the Extent of the Destruction. Here’s How to Help.
How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke
If you can, stay inside. When air quality levels are potentially hazardous, it’s best to stay indoors and try to keep smoke out.
“While Indoors you should stay in areas that are closed off from the contaminated outdoor air,” says Dr. Gulati. “Try to avoid creating more ‘indoor air pollution’ and do not burn anything inside like propane or even wood, candles, and incense.”
