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

    Antibiotics Probably Won't Ease Your Cough, Even If Infection is Bacterial: Study

    Neosporin Ointment in the Nose Might Be Potent Antibiotic

    FDA Proposes Ban on a 'Useless' Decongestant, Phenylephrine

    Saltwater Drops in Nose Could Shorten Kids' Colds

    Can Zinc Really Shorten a Cold?

    Is It a Cold, Flu or COVID? An Expert Helps You Sort It Out

    Holiday Flu Surge Drives Record Illness Across the U.S. — Here's What You Can Do

    Universal Flu Vaccine Blocks Infection in Mice

    Flu Season Starts Early in NYC as Cases Rise Fast

    Local Outbreaks Can Motivate The Vaccine-Hesitant, Poll Finds

    Severe Flu Season Raises Concerns About Brain Complications in Kids