Canadian Wildfires Cause Unhealthy Air Quality: Health Alert
Air pollution resulting from smoke emanating from the Canadian wildfires has once again descended upon the northeastern United States, creating hazardous conditions in New Jersey. This situation poses a particular threat to vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, individuals with asthma, and those with heart or lung conditions. Presently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) across much of the region registers over 100, as reported by AirNow.gov. Experts, including Kristin Fless, MD, a Pulmonologist at RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, and Maya Ramagopal, MD, a Pediatric Pulmonologist at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), as well as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, strongly recommend that everyone, particularly those at high risk, undertake necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of themselves and their families. These measures include staying indoors with windows closed, limiting outdoor activity to essential purposes, donning N95 respirator masks outdoors to filter out fine particles, and utilizing air conditioners and air purifiers within homes.
The most affected by poor air quality are individuals susceptible to the detrimental effects of particulate matter (PM). PM refers to fine inhalable particles measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter, and its inhalation leads to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. “It’s essential that sensitive populations stay indoors as much as possible to avoid exposure to wildfire smoke,” emphasizes Dr. Fless. Dr. Ramagopal concurs, asserting that individuals suffering from heart or lung disease, asthma, older adults, pregnant women, children, and teenagers should limit outdoor activities and refrain from engaging in strenuous exercises in outdoor environments.
For those who must spend time outdoors, Dr. Fless recommends waiting for an improvement in air quality before engaging in physical activity. However, if venturing outside is unavoidable, shortening the duration of outdoor activity or opting for less demanding exercises, like walking instead of running, is advisable. Additionally, wearing an N95 respirator mask is recommended to protect against smoke and small airborne particles when outdoor exposure is expected to endure for a prolonged period.
When at home, Dr. Fless underscores the importance of keeping windows closed, as well as running central air conditioners or window units equipped with high-efficiency filters. These filters, such as HEPA filters, are capable of capturing fine particles from smoke. In the event where temperatures prohibit keeping windows closed, seeking shelter elsewhere is recommended. Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid adding indoor air pollution by refraining from burning candles, using gas, propane, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, or aerosol sprays. Activities such as frying or broiling meat, smoking tobacco products, or vacuuming should also be avoided, as they can contribute to increased indoor air pollution.
Children with pre-existing conditions like asthma and cystic fibrosis face heightened vulnerability during this period of environmental adversity. Dr. Ramagopal highlights the need for compliance with prescribed medication regimens so as to afford the maximum protection to their lungs. “Your lungs don’t fully develop until you are about 20-25 years old, so it is vital that you protect children and young adults from wildfire smoke and air pollution, as it may affect their lung development and put them more at risk for long-term health conditions,” she cautions. Activities such as outdoor play should be postponed during periods of unhealthy air quality, and if children must be outside, they should wear N95 masks.
Individuals experiencing symptoms such as irritated eyes and sinuses, difficulty breathing, chest pain, asthma attacks, throat irritation, coughing, headache, or fatigue that may be attributed to wildfire smoke are advised to contact their healthcare providers or seek medical attention promptly.
To schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider from the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, please visit their website.
(Photos of the New Jersey Turnpike Exit 7A on June 29, 2023.)
