The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) – Virginia is experiencing haze due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. Take precautions now for diminished air quality and more widespread impacts. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These small particles can get into your eyes, nose, and throat, where they can cause itching or burning eyes and coughing. Fine particles also can worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
People mostly likely to be affected are; People with heart or lung disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Children, especially babies and toddler, and teenagers, Older adults, People who are obese or have diabetes might be at increased risk. Expectant mothers may also want to take precautions to protect the health of their babies.
The Virginia Department (VDH) of Health monitors the health effects. VDH is conducting surveillance of emergency departments and urgent care centers to monitor respiratory illnesses. Send all questions and interview requests to Brookie Crawford at brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov.
People, especially those at higher risk, can take steps to protect themselves and others from wildfire smoke. Check the air quality in your community by monitoring the AirNow website or the news. AirNow is a website run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies, to see current and forecasted air quality for your area. It uses the Air Quality Index to tell you if air quality is healthy or not and steps to take.
Sign up for Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Air Quality Health Alerts. Limit your time outdoors, taking breaks from the outdoors, avoiding strenuous activities while outdoors, or wearing an N95 respirator while outdoors. Cloth masks or “dust” masks trap large particles but will not protect your lungs from smoke. An “N95” mask (respirator), properly worn, will offer some protection.
If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible by, keeping windows and doors closed. Use air conditioning and/or an air filter if you have one, do not vacuum, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, gas stoves, or tobacco products
Pets and livestock can also be affected by wildfire smoke. Watch pets and livestock closely for symptoms and takes steps to reduce their exposure.
Speak with a healthcare provider if you have concerns or if your symptoms worsen. If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your doctor’s directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen. If you have heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, talk with your doctor about whether and when you should leave the area. When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period, fine particles can build up indoors, even though you may not be able to see them. If you have chest pain, pounding heat, or dizziness, get medical help.
For more information, visit VDH’s Wildfire Smoke
