How Canadian Wildfires are Impacting Air Quality

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CLEVELAND - Multiple states have issued air quality alerts as smoke from the wildfires in Canada continues to spread.

But how harmful is that smoke and do residents need to be concerned?

“Wildfire smoke contains this mixture of particulate compounds, we call it PM2.5, or this fine particulate matter, plus a whole host of other stuff is released when trees burn, and all of those can cause harm to the lungs as well as other organs too,” said Maeve MacMurdo, MD, pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. MacMurdo said air quality alerts use a color-coded system to let the public know how much air pollution there is.

For example, green is considered safe, while red and orange means it’s unhealthy.

She said it’s not just people with lung issues that need to be careful right now, but those with heart issues too.

That’s because smoke can cause inflammation in other parts of the body.

In some cases, even healthy individuals can be at risk.

“As those levels creep up, and as the air quality gets worse, even people who don't have lung problems can start to cough, they can feel a little short of breath, you can feel like your nose is running, like you might have allergies. And at really high levels it can make you feel really short of breath even when you don't have lung problems. So basically, the worse the air quality gets the more we all feel it,” Dr. MacMurdo explained.

She said if the air quality in your area is considered unhealthy and you want to avoid exposure, it's best to stay indoors with the windows closed.

You could also use an air purifier.

If you do have to go outside, try to keep it brief and consider wearing a mask.