Experts advise checking air quality alerts regularly. AirNow.gov enables people to track air quality by entering their ZIP codes.

AirNow generated the chart shown at left, showing exact air quality conditions in a location in Pennsylvania.

Many smartphones have apps that also track air quality.

Experts recommend that people stay indoors as much as they can, with doors and windows closed. That includes avoiding activities like outdoors exercise, which can cause stress on the lungs.

People with dry eyes or irritated eyes may find relief with use of artificial tears.

If one must go outside, wear a KN 95 or N 95 mask to block harmful particulates in the air.

“The small particulate matters of 10 micrometers or less are most dangerous since they can enter the lung and even translocate into circulation if smaller than 2.5 micrometers,” noted Philippe Chahinian, MD, a doctor of internal medicine and an oncologist. “Exposure to such particles affects the lung (causing irritation, asthma, cough, bronchitis) and heart (causing irregular heartbeat, even heart attacks).”

People with respiratory-related health conditions, including asthma, should monitor their symptoms closely, and make sure their medications, like inhalers, are available or not expired.

People with asthma should use their rescue inhaler 15 minutes before they go outside.

Anyone experiencing shortness of breath or respiratory difficulties should contact their healthcare provider or seek emergency care.

Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

We are all aware of the smoke drifting into the Northeastern U.S. from Canadian wildfires, and the related alerts about poor air quality.

“US areas including the Northeast have experienced an unprecedented degree of air pollution, with New York City reaching the highest pollution level in the world by June 7, 2023, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) close to the maximum level of 500,” noted Philippe Chahinian, MD, a doctor of internal medicine and an oncologist.

How does poor air quality harm one’s health?
Many of the health issues people see from poor air quality, in general, can overlap with health issues people see from wildfire smoke. Air pollution from wildfire smoke can make breathing difficult for anyone, but especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with asthma or other pre-existing respiratory conditions.

In the short term, wildfire smoke can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, as well as an increased risk of respiratory infection. Studies have also found that short-term exposure to small particulate matter increases the risk of a range of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Longer term, exposure to air pollution is associated with several chronic health conditions, including:

• Severe asthma
• Preterm birth
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Lung cancer
• Dementia
• Lower IQ in children

Smoke can be especially dangerous for pregnant women because they usually have diminished lung capacities due to their growing bellies. Exposure to air pollution during the first and second trimesters may also be associated with gestational diabetes, according to a study published in March.

Additionally, air pollution can harm a developing fetus and increase the risk of low birth weight, miscarriage and stillbirth. A global analysis found that air pollution likely contributed to nearly 6 million premature births in 2019.

Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention