Vulnerable populations in Delaware, including children, the elderly and those with asthma, heart and lung conditions, are advised to avoid outdoor activities. Staying in a building with filtered air conditioning can reduce exposure.
Tiny particles in smoke can make it difficult to breathe and worsen heart problems, especially in people who already have poor respiratory and cardiovascular health.
“If we’re having particularly high pollution days like we are now, you should really think about reducing acute exposures that would produce asthma attacks and other respiratory and cardiovascular diseases,” said Dr. Jane Clougherty, a professor of environmental and occupational health at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health.
Limiting children’s activities is especially important, she said, as they may be less aware of poor air quality.
Climate change is expected to increase the number of wildfires, which could increase these types of pollution events, Clougherty said.
“Usually the conditions are this early in the season [in Canada] It is much wetter and cooler, and there are not widespread forest fires. We’re seeing much bigger wildfires in the US and Canada much earlier in the season,” she said.
“In addition, with climate change, we will see more photochemical activity that creates ozone in the air we breathe, and also higher temperatures, exacerbating the effects of air pollution.”
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