Meteorologists predict the smoke from wildfires could potentially affect air quality in one-third of the western and midwestern states. A combination of high temperatures and elevated levels of particles from fires can affect even healthy lungs.
For someone with lung damage or respiratory illness, moderate levels of smoke particulate can exacerbate respiratory problems, writes Luke Montrose. Further, older smoke is even more toxic.
Source: The Conversation, August 20, 2020. Link. Montrose explains the reasoning behind particulate matter measurements, our body’s defenses and risks associated with short-term and long-term smoke exposure.
Studies have shown that repeated exposure to elevated levels of wood smoke can suppress macrophages, leading to increases in lung inflammation.”
Also see:
- Wildfire smoke and animals, AVMA. Link.
- Protect your pets from wildfire smoke, EPA. Link.
- Caring for livestock after a wildfire, Washington State Dept of Ag. Link.
- Protect your large animals and livestock from wildfire smoke. Air-Now.gov. Link.
INSIGHTS: Consider this information for proactive use as smoke begins to travel across the U.S. Social media and newsletter placements may help clients use this knowledge and identify animals in crisis earlier. Also consider working with local media on protecting animals as sidebars to their human wildfire smoke stories.