Stay Safe: Essential Tips for Protecting Your Health When Wildfires Create Smoky Air

Smoke from Canadian wildfires is affecting air quality across the Midwest and Northeast. Many people are waking up to hazy skies and unhealthy air. The situation is quite serious. Wildfires in Canada, California, and the Northwest are all contributing to this problem.

When wildfire smoke fills the air, the Air Quality Index (AQI) usually rises. The AQI measures several types of pollutants, including fine particles found in smoke. Numbers below 50 are generally safe, but anything over 100 starts to become risky, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. In some areas, the AQI has hit 150 or higher, which is considered unhealthy for everyone.

Wildfire smoke poses health risks beyond just bad air. According to Nicholas Nassikas, a pulmonologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, about 15,000 people died from smoke-related issues between 2006 and 2020 due to worsening climate conditions. While smoke isn’t officially listed as a cause of death, its impact on health is significant. Even if you don’t get sick immediately, inhaling tiny smoke particles can lead to serious health problems over time, such as asthma and heart disease.

Erin Landguth, a researcher in population health, emphasizes that long-distance smoke, like that from northern Canada, may have particularly harmful effects. This smoke is largely made up of carbon, which can oxidize and create free radicals—substances that can damage cells in the body.

So, how can you protect yourself? First, check the air quality regularly. You can use weather apps or visit sites like AirNow. Even when conditions seem normal, the air may still be unhealthy. Consider limiting outdoor activities and wearing an N95 mask if you have to go outside. At home, keep windows and doors shut and use air filters to keep the indoor air clean.

As wildfires become more common, experts believe we’ll all need to adapt to these changing conditions. Being aware of air quality and taking precautions can help keep you safe. In the end, protecting our health is essential, especially as climate change continues to impact our air quality.

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