Tag: smoke inhalation

Wildfire Smoke

Posted on by cassandragabbert

Summertime is peak danger for wildfire season due to dry conditions and high temperatures. Smoke from wildfire is made up of a mixture of gases and particles from the burning trees and plants and air pollutants from burning human-made materials and structures. Inhaling fine particulate matter from the smoke is the biggest threat to health. Children, older adults, pregnant women, individuals with heart or lung disease, and people that work outside are at a higher risk of experiencing health effects. Short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to headaches, eye irritation, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular effects.

A few ways to reduce smoke exposure during a wildfire smoke event:

  • Stay indoors or limit time outside and avoid vigorous activities.
  • Wear a NOISH approved respirator such as an N95 while outside.
  • Keep indoor air clean with indoor air filtration.

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Fireworks and Your Health

Posted on by cassandragabbert

Fireworks are a staple in many American’s holiday celebrations including the Fourth of July. Fireworks can be fun, but they can also be potentially dangerous. According to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 15 firework-related deaths and about 13,000 additional firework related injuries last year. Potential risks depend on whether you are a spectator or non-professional user.

Spectators

Spectators may be exposed to smoke, which contains very small particulate matter and other contaminants. Smoke can disperse into air, and even when you cannot see the smoke levels of particulates can be much higher than background concentrations. Near a fireworks display particulates in the air can exceed health-based air quality standards provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Breathing air with fireworks smoke particulates in it can cause coughing and other breathing problems, raised blood pressure, and increased heart rate. Particulate matter levels typically return to normal by the middle of the following day, but it can take longer depending on the number of fireworks used and the weather.

Spectators more likely to experience health effects from particulate matter near large fireworks displays may include:

  • Children, older adults, and pregnant women
  • Individuals with underlying conditions including:
    • lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    • heart disease
    • high blood pressure
  • People who work outdoors

Spectators attending firework shows can reduce their exposure to particulate matter by wearing an N95 or equivalent face mask.

Non-Professional Users

Non-professional firework displays, those done at a cookout or a block party, put the user and those around them at risk. Potential adverse health impacts include:

  • Burns
  • Injury
  • Temporary or permanent hearing loss
  • Temporary or permanent eye damage
  • Smoke inhalation

Non-professional fireworks user safety should include wearing eye and ear protection and a face mask. It is important to note weather conditions including dry conditions and wind as there is always the possibility of starting a fire. People watching the fireworks should choose a viewing location that is a safe distance away. Read the directions for the fireworks used and follow them carefully. State and local laws should always be followed.

Additional Information and Safety Tips