Three major California wildfires are raging right now, with the Airport, Bridge and Line fires burning more than 115,000 acres of land this month. Canada has also been struggling with wildfire season, with fires in several western provinces. But while these wildfires create unhealthy air conditions for people who live in surrounding areas, that smoke and particulate matter can drift, affecting those who live thousands of miles away. Currently, the National Weather Service is warning residents who live around the Great Lakes of wafting wildfire smoke, which can create a “campfire smell” in the air, dim the sun and spark air-quality issues. If you live in an area that’s dealing with wildfire smoke, it’s understandable to have questions about how to stay safe — as well as how much of an effect that smoke can have on your health. Here’s what doctors want you to know.
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particulate matter created from burning vegetation and structures, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Different potentially hazardous compounds are released in the smoke, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, particulate matter (PM), benzene, acrolein and aldehydes, according to the CDC. To read the full story.
