The Dangers of Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire Smoke Can Be Dangerous: Take Steps to Protect Your Health

Buncombe County, N.C. - A large amount of wildfire smoke from local wildfires is causing unhealthy levels of air quality in Buncombe County. Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHSS) wants residents to know what they can do to stay healthy during periods of poor air quality.

Wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It can make you cough and wheeze, and can make it hard to breathe. Poor air quality can trigger heart attacks, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms - especially in people who are already at risk for these conditions. Dr Jennifer Mullendor, BCHSS Medical Director, urges residents to monitor their health when air quality is poor saying, "With the current air quality level in the 'unhealthy' range in the Asheville area, even healthy people may experience symptoms. Everyone should limit their time spent outdoors. Wildfire smoke can be particularly dangerous for children, older adults, and those with heart or lung disease. Individuals in these sensitive groups should all avoid all outdoor physical activity at this time. If you have shortness of breath, fits of coughing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or chest pain, you should contact your healthcare provider or dial 9-1-1."

Those at risk include:

• People with heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or asthma may experience health effects earlier and at lower smoke levels than healthy people.
• Older adults and children are more likely to be affected by smoke.

How to tell if smoke is affecting you:

• Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, headaches, stinging eyes, or a runny nose.If you have heart or lunch disease, smoke might make your symptoms worse.
• People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. People with lung disease may not be able to breathe as deeply as usual, and they may experience symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath. If it important to see your healthcare provider if you are experiencing these symptoms.

What actions to take:

• If you have asthma or any kind of lung disease, make sure you follow your doctor's directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
• Follow local air quality reports to stay alert to any health warnings related to smoke by visiting airnow.gov. You can sign up for air quality text alerts through enviroflash.org.
• The most effective methods of reducing your exposure to the wildfire smoke include staying indoors, reducing activity, and keeping the indoor air as clean as possible.
• If you must be outdoors when air quality is unhealthy, a special mask called a particulate respirator can help protect your lungs from the fine particles found in wildfire smoke. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks will not protect you from wildfire smoke. Choose a mask called a "particular respirator" that has the word "NIOSH" and either "P95" or "N100" printed on it. Follow instructions included with the respirator to get a good fit.
• If you have heart or lung problems, ask your doctor before using a mask. Know the signs of a heart attack or stroke. Get help quickly if you experience discomfort in your chest or other parts of your upper body, or have cold sweats, nausea, or light-headedness.
  • Use FAST to identify the signs of a stroke:
    • Face - ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
    • Arm - ask the person to raise both arms. Down one arm drift downward?
    • Speech - ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred?
    • Time - if you observe these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

Questions about air quality can be directed to the WNC Air Quality Agency at 828.250.6777. If you are experiencing any symptoms that are new or unusual, contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

A message from Buncombe County Health and Human Services