The Funny River Horse Trail Fire is affecting all of us. Please be aware that the smoke from the fire is potentially harmful to people and pets. The following website has helpful information regarding air quality and precautions for people . . . the same principles stand for our pets. Try to limit your exposure to smoke. Stay inside if possible with closed windows. Recirculate air within the house or use circulating fans. Air cleaners with HEPA filters may be helpful. Ozone generators and humidifiers are not helpful with particulate matter. Drinking more water may be helpful in keeping airways moist. What is in smoke? Smoke is made up primarily of carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, hydrocarbons and other organics, nitrogen oxides and trace minerals. The composition of smoke varies with fuel type: different wood and vegetation are composed of varying amounts of cellulose, lignin, tannins and other polyphenolics, oils, fats, resins, waxes and starches which produce different compounds when burned. In general, particulate matter is the major pollutant of concern from wildfire smoke. Particulate is a general term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Particulate from smoke tends to be very small (less than one micron in diameter) and, as a result, is more of a health concern than the coarser particles that typically make up road dust. Particulate matter from wood smoke has a size range near the wavelength of visible light (0.4 – 0.7 micrometers). This makes the particles excellent scatterers of light and therefore excellent reducers of visibility. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, produced as a product of incomplete combustion. It is produced in the largest amounts during the smoldering stages of the fire. Hazardous air pollutants are present in smoke, but in far less concentrations than particulate and carbon monoxide. The most common are acrolein, benezene and formaldehyde. The closer you are to the fire, the greater your risk. 0.75 miles or less: HAZARDOUS Keep all pets inside if at all possible. 0.75 to 1.4 miles: VERY UNHEALTHY Pets should avoid all physical activity outside. 1.5 to 2.5 miles: UNHEALTHY Pets should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outiside. 3 to 5 miles: UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE INDIVIDUALS Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outside. 6 miles to 9 miles: MODERATE Be cautious with sensitive individuals. 10 miles or more: GOOD No significant risk to animals.
Posted on: Thu, 22 May 2014 23:37:22 +0000
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