Air quality alerts: How poor air quality affects your health

The wildfires raging in Canada have blanketed New York in thick layers of smoke, posing a significant threat to the health of millions of people, including those without pre-existing conditions. The dangerous nature of this smoke stems from its composition and the presence of fine particles known as PM2.5, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

PM2.5 refers to solid or liquid microscopic droplets that are approximately 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair.

These particles can be easily inhaled and have been linked to serious health problems. While most particles in the atmosphere result from complex chemical reactions involving pollutants emitted by power plants, industries, and vehicles, PM2.5 from wildfires is particularly damaging.

A 2021 study conducted in California revealed that smoke from wildfires can contain PM2.5 which is up to 10 times more harmful than air pollution from other combustion activities.

Dr Vijay Limaye, climate and health scientist at the National Resources Defense Council, emphasized the significant impact of these fine particles, saying: "That size is really important because it can go very deep and wreak havoc in the body."

Air Quality Index

The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a crucial tool for assessing air pollution levels and their implications for human health. AirNow, a website that publishes air quality data, provides guidelines for interpreting the AQI in relation to PM2.5 levels. Once the AQI exceeds 100, PM2.5 is considered harmful to sensitive groups.

When it exceeds 150, it is considered unhealthy for some members of the general public, with sensitive groups experiencing more severe effects. A reading above 200 is classified as very unhealthy, while an AQI of 300 or higher is labeled dangerous, warranting a health warning for emergency conditions.

How can poor air quality hurt health?

It is worth noting that people of all health states can be negatively affected by exposure to wildfire smoke. The microscopic nature of PM2.5 allows it to easily enter the nose, throat, and ultimately the lungs. In some cases, the smallest particles can even circulate in the bloodstream. Consequently, inhaling toxic smoke and ash from wildfires can weaken the immune system and damage the lungs and heart.

• Premature Death: Both short-term and long-term exposure to unhealthy air can shorten life expectancy and lead to premature death.

• Asthma Attacks: Breathing ozone and particulate pollution can increase the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, requiring emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

• Cardiovascular disease: Air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

• Lung Cancer: Particle pollution has been linked to lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related death in the US.

• Developmental damage: Air pollution can hamper lung development in children, affecting their health in both the short and long term.

• Susceptibility to infections: Air pollution increases vulnerability to lung infections, especially in children.

• Worsening COPD symptoms: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) find it even more difficult to breathe contaminated air, which can lead to severe symptoms and hospitalization.

• Inflammation and irritation of lung tissue: Both healthy people and those with lung diseases can experience lung irritation and inflammation due to air pollution.

• Low birth weight: Exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of low birth weight and infant mortality.

• Respiratory Symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath can result from both short-term exposure to high levels of pollutants and long-term exposure to air pollution.

AQI readings

As the wildfires continue to unleash their destructive force, cities across the United States are dealing with record AQI readings. New York City broke its previous record with an AQI of 413, while Philadelphia posted 233, Washington, D.C. measured 168 and Baltimore measured 153, indicating elevated levels of air pollution.

Does wildfire smoke make allergies worse?

Wildfire smoke can exacerbate allergy symptoms in people who are already prone to allergies. Although smoke is not itself an allergen, it can irritate the nasal passages and airways, adding to the discomfort for allergy sufferers.

Dr. Stokes Peebles, an allergy and lung specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, explains that when someone experiences both allergies and smoke exposure, they may be dealing with symptoms from two different sources simultaneously. This can intensify the general allergic response and make the symptoms more pronounced.

Specific materials burned in wildfires can also contribute to worsening allergy symptoms. For example, if a person is sensitive to environmental allergens such as trees or grass, inhaling smoke from burning these allergens can trigger an allergic reaction.

Smoke from wildfires can irritate eyes, too

Those with contact lenses could see them drier, which means a higher chance of irritation.

Keep Reading

• Beyond Lungs: Air Pollution’s impact on Athletes’ Performance
• Air pollution could increase bone loss in women
• How much Air Pollution do cars really cause?
• Air pollution reduced lifespan of 45% Indians by 5yrs: CSE Report

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