NEW YORK (AP) — Massive fires are burning vast swaths of Canadian forests and Emit clouds of smoke in the USA
As a haze spreads across parts of the United States, health authorities have sounded the alarm poor air quality.
This way you can protect your health from the smoke fumes.
STAY INDOORS
The small particles in wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and affect the heart and lungs, making breathing difficult. Health officials say it’s important to limit outdoor activities as much as possible to avoid inhaling these particles. You should avoid particularly strenuous activities such as running, as heavy breathing leads to an increased amount of smoke. And bring pets with you too: animals are also affected by the smoke.
KEEP THE INDOOR AIR CLEAN
Indoors, keep doors, windows and fireplaces closed to keep smoke out. If you have a portable air purifier or HVAC system, you should run it to keep the air clean, recommends the Environmental Protection Agency. Check that your filters are high quality and up to date. Make sure any filters or air conditioners are set to recirculate indoor air to prevent smoke from entering from outside. If you have a window air conditioner, make sure it is attached to the window as tightly as possible. And try to avoid activities that would add more particles to the air in your home — like smoking, lighting candles, or roasting meat.
WEAR A MASK
If you go outside in a smoky environment, consider wearing a mask like an N95 to protect your lungs. The mask should fit over your nose and under your chin, and connect it tightly to your face to keep out the smoky air.
KNOW YOUR RISK
Some groups should be particularly careful because they are at higher risk from wildfire smoke. Children and older adults are particularly sensitive to smoke. People with health problems that affect the lungs or heart – such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – are at higher risk from poor air quality, as are those who are pregnant, the study found Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People in these groups should take special precautions and monitor for symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing or fatigue.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Science and Educational Media Group of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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