Smoky skies cause potential health risk

A hazy sky caused by wildfires doesn’t only cause a lack of visibility of the mountains, it can also have serious effects on your health. All fire haze contains particulate matter, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. However, that the airborne chemicals that are produced from a fire is dependent on various materials that are burning. Any inhalation of these chemicals on a even a short term bases can be pose health risks.

Smoke from controlled fires are usually safer than most due to the ableness to control what is burning and what chemicals is put out in the air. However, even with a controlled burn, visibility can much harder to manage. Wind, rain, and atmospheric pressure also have a large impact on the how fire-haze will affect the surrounding environment.

Elderly, children and those who have pre-existing conditions will have a much higher risk for serious illness to fire emissions. Carbon monoxide is a small enough particle to where is can enter the body’s respiratory system and can actually decrease the amount of oxygen entering the bloodstream. This can result in shortness of breath and well as damage the lungs cells in the lungs that protect and clean the airways.

Due to multiple health factors from fire emission, it is important to avoid extensive outdoor activity. Anything that can cause faster or quicker breaths should be avoided to decrease lung damage. Long term exposure to fire haze can lead to risks lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer.