Health Threats from Wildfire Smoke

A wildfire is any fire burning uncontrollably in natural vegetation – grass, weeds, crops, brush, or forests.

During which time of the year are wildfires most common in Michigan?

Wildfires occur frequently in Michigan during the months of March, April, and May, when the prevailing weather conditions consist of windy days and low humidity. The combination of easily ignitable dead leaves and grass, along with the absence of new green grass and foliage on the trees, facilitates the rapid spread of fires.

What is the annual count of wildfires in Michigan?

Fire departments respond to wildfires ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 annually. These fires typically scorch thousands of acres, resulting in millions of dollars spent on suppression efforts and replacing damaged property.

What is the primary reason behind wildfires in Michigan?

Every year, wildfires occur due to windy, warm, and dry weather conditions, often exacerbated by accumulated yard waste. The primary sources of these wildfires are the burning of trash, brush, leaves, grass, and various other debris.

What are the health impacts of wildfire smoke?

Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of fine particles and gases emitted by burning plant materials and trees. This smoke can worsen lung and heart diseases, as well as irritate your respiratory system and hurt your eyes.

How can you determine if you are being impacted by smoke from a wildfire?

If you have a lung or heart disease, smoking may exacerbate your symptoms. It can worsen asthma and cause a runny nose and stinging eyes, chest pain, shortness of breath, irritated sinuses, scratchy throat, and coughing.

Who is more susceptible to health risks caused by smoke from wildfires?

Children are also more likely to be active outdoors. They are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their developing airways breathe in more pounds of body weight per air. Older adults are also more likely to be affected by smoke because they are more likely to have lung or heart diseases such as asthma, emphysema, COPD, angina, congestive heart failure, or lung or heart disease. If you have any of these health problems, you are at a higher risk of having health problems.

How can you safeguard yourself from smoke caused by wildfires?

  • Minimize your contact with smoke.
  • Listen and observe for news or health alerts regarding smoke from wildfires. Take note of public health notifications regarding ensuring safety.
  • If you are advised to stay indoors to keep the indoor air as clean as possible, make sure to run an air conditioner with the filter clean and the intake fresh-air closed, and shut the dampers of the fireplace and keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering.
  • If you don’t have an air conditioner, seek shelter elsewhere and stay warm inside with the windows closed.
  • When smoke levels are high, avoid using gas stoves, fireplaces, or candles inside your home as they can contribute to air pollution. Additionally, refrain from vacuuming as it can stir up particles in the air.
  • It is advisable to keep windows and vents closed in smoky areas while driving. To avoid exposure to unhealthy air outside, the air conditioning should be set to “recirculate”. Follow your doctor’s advice about respiratory management and medications.
  • If you possess asthma or any other respiratory condition, it is recommended to establish a strategy. In the event that your symptoms worsen, it is crucial to reach out to your physician.
  • If you decide to wear a dust mask, you can find these kinds of masks at the majority of hardware stores. It is advisable to use disposable particle masks labeled as “N95” or “P1000,” which are recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for safeguarding against smoke.
  • Masks can pose challenges for individuals with respiratory conditions, therefore it is advisable to seek medical advice prior to usage.
  • How can you safeguard yourself during the clean-up process after a wildfire?

    To ensure safety, workers should avoid areas with other hazardous materials, such as asbestos. During daily cleanup, it is recommended that workers wear a P1000 or N95 mask and replace it regularly. To minimize airborne pollutants, it is important to thoroughly wet and cover soot and dust in the affected areas before cleaning up.