Wildfire Smoke: How Does It Affect You?

Reported by Bryn Heikes 

Photographed by Imogene Eagan                                                                                                                    

The thick haze from the devastating west coast wildfires finally dissipated after a handful of much-needed rain storms, finally giving us a glimpse of blue sky and a breath of fresh air. Our clothes no longer smell like we’ve recently attended a bonfire, an added bonus. However, has a full week of breathing smoke-clogged air negatively affected our health? Are our respiratory systems all collectively destroyed? Let’s break it down. 

Wildfire smoke is essentially a cocktail of tiny particles and gasses released from burning materials. The remarkably small size of these particles make them especially dangerous, as they easily get pulled deep into the lungs with every inhale. Basically, when you strolled through the haze on your way to lunch or biology last week, every breath drug a potent mixture of air pollutants into your lungs. Lovely, isn’t it? As a result, you may have experienced reactions such as a sore throat, cough, headache, or itchy eyes. 

Photographed by Imogene Eagan

Now, as the air has cleared, these irritating symptoms should begin to fade. However, it is probable that the smoke crept indoors last week, seeping through ventilation or even closed windows and doors. Here are some ways to ensure indoor air quality is healthy in your dorm or apartment. 

-Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner. 

-If you can’t get an air cleaner, DIY one with a box fan and a furnace filter!

-Hold off on vacuuming the carpets for a bit, because that can kick up particles   into the air and cause more irritation. 

-Throw open the windows and let some fresh air inside.

Now you can breathe easy about air quality, both indoors and out. Go spend some time outside and enjoy the clean air! 

Cunningham, Aimee, and Maria Temming. “What We Know and Don't Know about Wildfire Smoke Health Risks.” Science News, Science News, 19 Sept. 2020, www.sciencenews.org/article/wildfire-smoke-health-risks-air-quality-pollution. 

EPA. “Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 18 Sept. 2020, www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/wildfires-and-indoor-air-quality-iaq