Wildfire season is in full swing and although everyone may not live where fire danger can affect home and property, the smoke from fires can have a serious impact on health.
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has provided detailed information on the symptoms related to exposure to smoke from wildfires, which include irritation to the eyes, mouth or throat, coughing, difficulty breathing and tightness of the chest. Smoke can also exacerbate the onset of symptoms of asthma or emphysema.
As smoke worsens, the concentration of particles in the air, which is made up of a mixture of gases and fine particles burning from trees and other plant materials, changes and so do the steps that should be taken to protect yourself. Start by facing away from the sun to determine the visibility range by the point at which even high contrast objects totally disappear, then use the table accompanying this article to determine the applicable health category and the best precautions to take in response to smoke exposure.
The ADHS recommends that if a residence has an air conditioning system, the fresh air intake be closed and the filter cleaned. Never use an evaporative cooler when the air quality is poor.
To get the latest information on the wildfires in the area, visit 311.info.net.
