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State health officials warn of dangers from wildfire smoke

This document was published online on Friday, August 29, 2008

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With the wildfire season in Wyoming well under way, health and environment officials are encouraging people to be aware of the potential health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

“People obviously know to avoid flames if they live near a blaze,” said Dr. Brent Sherard, Wyoming Department of Health director and state health officer.

“But that's not the only danger. Wildfire smoke can hurt your eyes, aggravate respiratory problems and worsen symptoms of heart and lung disease.”

Wildfire smoke contains gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plants.

According to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, particulate matter (PM) concentrations related to the Gunbarrel Fire near Cody increased at the beginning of August.

The fire is still active and smoke levels could increase depending on wind direction and speed.

“People should use common sense when air is smoky and avoid heavy outdoor exercise,” Sherard said. “Those at risk should be especially careful in limiting their smoke exposure.”

Sherard said people who have pre-existing heart and respiratory conditions, including allergies, asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), are especially susceptible to wildfire smoke's ill effects.

Older adults are affected most because they are more likely to have heart or lung disease, he said.

Children are vulnerable because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults.

Sherard said people staying indoors because of wildfire smoke should keep air as clean as possible.

He offered the following suggestions:

-Try to keep windows and doors closed.

-Keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean if you operate an air conditioner.

-Seek shelter elsewhere if you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed.

-When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces or gas stoves.

-Do not vacuum because it may stir particles already inside your home.

-Do not smoke because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.

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