Haims: Fire safety — inhalation

While the visible destruction of fire is undeniable, the less apparent health hazards of smoke inhalation pose significant health risks to both individuals near the flames and those residing miles away. Over the past few years, Colorado has encountered grayed skies a number of times from fires both far and near. Although darkened skies and the odor of smoke are discerning, the health hazards can be severe.

Inhaling smoke from wildfires can have both short- and long-term effects. In the short-term, allergies, coughs, and shortness of breath are quite common. Eye irritation is also quite common. While these effects are generally not long lasting, smoke inhalation can cause more severe complications.

Smoke exposure directly increases oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which has far-reaching consequences for health. Smoke from wildfires contains pollutants that are commonly referred to PM2.5. These are particularly fine particle matter that are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. Our nose does not filter out particles this small. When this happens, particles can make it deep into our lungs and even into our bloodstream, causing impaired lung function and symptoms of inflammation.

The smoke from fires is a complex mixture of gasses and fine particles — each has the potential to wreak havoc on the human body and present significant medical concerns. Some of the most concerning components are carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM). Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the bloodstream, displacing oxygen and leading to tissue hypoxia. VOCs are known carcinogens that can cause respiratory irritation and long-term health complications.

Released by fires, carbon monoxide is a pollutant that can persist in the atmosphere for as long as two months. Strong winds can transport CO great distances, where it can significantly impact air quality. Inhaling CO not only decreases oxygen within the body, which affects critical organs like the heart and brain, but also can cause fatigue, headache, vertigo, memory impairment, and nausea. Interestingly, chronic carbon monoxide poisoning has been shown to be related to hearing issues at a rate almost three times greater than for those unexposed. Some VOCs are known or suspected carcinogens. According to the American Heart Association, exposure to VOCs can have a range of health effects, with the respiratory system being particularly vulnerable. Short-term exposure to VOCs can lead to eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and dizziness. Prolonged or repeated exposure to high levels of VOCs may contribute to more serious health problems, especially for individuals with existing lung disease. Exposure may also contribute to the development of other chronic diseases, such as liver and kidney damage.

It should be noted that when properly fitted, an N95 mask can filter pollen, spores, and some wildfire smoke particles. However, N95 respirators do not filter toxic gasses and vapors.

It is not a factor of “if” a wildfire is going to happen this summer. Rather, wildfires will occur this summer. Please take note of the following tips:

• Close all windows and limit use of outside doors to keep smoke-related pollutants out.
• Take advantage of periods of improved air quality such as during the early morning when winds may be less frequent or periods of rain.
• Drink LOTS of water.
• Use a saline nasal spray such as a neti pot. Such products can help you moisten and soothe irritation within the nose.
• If you plan to exercise outdoors, the best time to do it may be in the morning when ozone levels are lower, and winds are calmer. Until the smoke from the fires dissipates, consider indoor exercising. Please be prepared. If you do not already have Pitkin or Garfield county alerts on your cell phone, you should add one or both immediately. Waiting until you need it could be a bad choice.

Judson Haims is the owner of Visiting Angels Home Care in Eagle County. He is an advocate for our elderly in Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties and is available to answer questions.