Dear Reader,
Wildfires can pose serious risk to your life, health and property. Even if your region doesn’t have wildfires, strong winds can blow unsafe air particles from fires burning up to hundreds of miles away.
Wildfire smoke contains respiratory irritants, such as particulate matter, hydrocarbons and other organic chemicals. The greatest health risk is from ultrafine particles that can be inhaled into the lungs.
These particles can cause nasal congestion and stinging and burning eyes. They can also aggravate the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing and chest pain. For some people, these symptoms can be severe. People most at risk of serious health complications include older adults, children, pregnant women, those with heart disease, and those with chronic lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Avoid going outside for prolonged periods and exercising outside when air quality is poor. Stay inside, keeping windows and doors closed and the air conditioner on. Running an air purifier – ideally one with a high-efficiency particulate air filter – also can help. Wearing a standard paper dust mask, while probably better than nothing, really does not fully protect the respiratory tract from most particulate matter that becomes airborne. Particulate masks, such as those labeled N95, can offer slightly better protection when worn properly.
Weather apps on smartphones often have information on air quality and can advise you about pollutants in the air before you head outside.
Yours in good health,
Daniel Roberts, M.D. Medical Editor, Mayo Clinic Health Letter | 
