Health Tip: Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke Exposure

(HealthDay News) -- When a wildfire burns nearby, gases and fine particles fill the air. This pollution can irritate your eyes and lungs, and worsen chronic diseases such as asthma.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions for dealing with smoke from a nearby wildfire:

  • Monitor local air quality reports.
  • Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
  • Don't worsen indoor air quality by burning candles, smoking, or using fireplaces or gas stoves.
  • Talk to your doctor about what you can do to protect yourself from breathing problems.
  • Don't trust paper masks commonly sold at hardware stores to protect you from fine debris and gases in the air. These masks are made for bigger particles, such as sawdust.

    • Date Published: 07/12/2012

    Related Articles

    Search Articles

    Your Nose May Decide How Bad Your Cold Gets, Study Finds

    The Flu Vaccine Can Lower Your Risk Of Heart Attack And Stroke — Even If You Wind Up Infected

    Scientists' Push For a Universal Vaccine Takes a Key Step Forward

    Flu, COVID Increase Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke

    Heart Patients Urged To Seek Vaccination For Common Infectious Diseases

    Sepsis, Lung Infection Patients See No Benefit From Remote Monitoring