Health Threat From Wildfire Smoke Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. How to tell if smoke is affecting you Smoke can cause— Coughing A scratchy throat Irritated sinuses Shortness of breath Chest pain Headaches Stinging eyes A runny nose Asthma exacerbations If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might make your symptoms worse. People who have heart disease might experience— Chest pain Rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath Fatigue Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the following ways: Inability to breathe normally Cough with or without mucus Chest discomfort Wheezing and shortness of breath When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms. Please be safe. Source: Centers for Disease Control emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/facts.asp
Posted on: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:40:42 +0000
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