Wildfire Season - Health Impacts & How To Mitigate These Impacts

For many of us living in North America, wildfire season has become an expected part of summer. Some years are worse than others, but it’s becoming increasingly common to wake up to smoky skies. I have even gotten to the point where I am able to smell the familiar smell of wildfire smoke before there is any visible haze.

The reality is that wildfire smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometers, affecting air quality beyond the active fire itself. Even if you are nowhere near an active wildfire, poor air quality can still have significant impacts on your health. Understanding what is in wildfire smoke, who is most at risk, and what you can do to reduce your exposure can go a long way in protecting yourself and your family.

What Is In Wildfire Smoke?

Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and tiny particles released when vegetation, buildings, and other materials burn. It contains:

• Particulate matter (PM) - microscopic particles suspended in the air

• Carbon monoxide (CO) - primarily found in areas close to the fire

• Nitrogen oxides - including nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• MAYBE heavy metals, such as lead, copper, nickel and mercury, depending on what materials are burned. Heavy metals are primarily elevated when wildfires burn structures such as homes and vehicles

While carbon monoxide is generally only a concern for those in close proximity to an active fire, particulate matter can travel much greater distances and is responsible for many of the widespread health effects associated with wildfire smoke.

The particles of greatest concern are those 10 micrometres (PM₁₀) or smaller, with even finer particles (PM₂.₅) capable of travelling deep into the lungs and even entering the bloodstream. Smaller particles generally have greater potential to cause harm because they penetrate further into the body.

Interestingly, research suggests that particulate matter produced by wildfires may be more biologically active than typical urban air pollution. Wildfire particles appear to contain higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory and oxidative compounds, which may explain why exposure can have particularly pronounced health effects.

How Does Poor Air Quality Affect Your Health?

Most people think of coughing or difficulty breathing when they hear "smoke exposure," but the effects can extend well beyond the lungs.

Respiratory Health

This is where the strongest evidence exists. Wildfire smoke has been associated with:

• Increased asthma attacks

• COPD exacerbations

• More frequent respiratory infections

• Reduced lung function

• Increased coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness

Even healthy individuals may notice irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs during periods of poor air quality.

Cardiovascular Health

Research is somewhat mixed, but some studies suggest wildfire smoke may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, abnormal heart rhythms, and other cardiovascular events, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart disease.

Pregnancy

Emerging evidence has found associations between wildfire smoke exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. It is important to note that some researchers believe these findings may also be influenced by the stress associated with living through wildfire events, making this an area of ongoing research.

Brain and Mental Health

Wildfire smoke doesn't just affect the lungs. Studies have linked smoke exposure with:

• Reduced attention and concentration

• Increased anxiety and depression

• Higher rates of post-traumatic stress symptoms

• Increased substance use following wildfire events

Mental health effects are driven by both direct smoke exposure (causing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress), as well as psychosocial stressors (relocation, trauma, economic loss).

Eyes and Skin

Heavy smoke can cause:

• Burning or irritated eyes

• Dryness and excessive tearing

• Corneal irritation or abrasions in severe smoke conditions

• Worsening skin symptoms, such as increased itch in atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis

Common Symptoms of Smoke Exposure

Depending on your level of exposure and your overall health, you may experience:

• Burning or watery eyes

• Scratchy or sore throat

• Runny nose

• Coughing

• Wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Reduced exercise tolerance

If you experience severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or worsening of a chronic medical condition, seek medical attention promptly.

Who Is At Greatest Risk?

Although anyone can be affected by poor air quality, certain groups are more vulnerable, including:

• Adults aged 65 years and older

• Infants and young children

• Individuals with asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, or other chronic lung diseases

• People with cardiovascular disease

• Pregnant individuals

• People who work outdoors

• Those with weakened immune systems

What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?

Fortunately, there are several simple steps that can significantly reduce your exposure.

(1) Stay indoors when air quality is poor

Keep windows and doors closed when possible, especially during periods of heavy smoke.

(2) Reduce indoor air pollution

Avoid activities that generate additional indoor pollutants, including:

• Smoking or vaping indoors

• Frying foods

• Burning candles or incense

• Using wood-burning fireplaces

(3) Filter your air

A portable HEPA air purifier can substantially reduce indoor particulate levels. If you have central air conditioning, set the system to recirculate rather than drawing outdoor air inside. The same recommendation applies to your vehicle when driving through smoky conditions.

(4) Wear a well-fitting mask

If you must spend time outdoors, a properly fitted N95 or KN95 respirator offers significantly more protection against particulate matter than a standard cloth or surgical mask.

(5) Limit strenuous outdoor activity

Exercise increases both the rate and depth of breathing, allowing more particulate matter to reach deeper into the lungs. Consider moving workouts indoors until air quality improves.

(6) Rinse your nasal passages

Using a sterile saline nasal rinse or neti pot may help remove smoke particles trapped in the nasal passages and reduce irritation. Always use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water when preparing nasal rinses.

(7) Support your body's antioxidant defences

Wildfire smoke increases oxidative stress throughout the body. Eating a diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants that help counteract this process.

Some naturopathic practitioners may also recommend targeted antioxidant therapies, such as glutathione, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or vitamin C for certain individuals. These therapies are not appropriate for everyone, so it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

Be Prepared

If you have asthma or another chronic respiratory condition:

• Ensure your rescue inhaler is current and easily accessible.

• Refill prescriptions before wildfire season if possible.

• Follow your asthma or COPD action plan.

• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms begin to worsen.

• Resources: use the websites EnviroFlash and AirNow to check the air quality index (AQI) around you

The Bottom Line

Wildfire smoke affects far more than just our lungs. It can influence cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health, particularly in those who are most vulnerable. While we can't control wildfire season, we can take meaningful steps to reduce our exposure and support our health.

If you're concerned about how wildfire smoke may be affecting you, or you're looking for individualized strategies to support your respiratory health during wildfire season, we're here to help. Book an appointment to discuss your symptoms, and build a strategy that supports your health during this season.

Learn more or book an appointment at:

kathrynkingnd.com