How Wildfire Smoke Impacts Health

During wildfire season, each fire carries the direct risk of what it will burn, but the impact of smoke haze on human health is another significant risk associated with wildfires. 

“When you have smoky air, presumably from forest fires, it creates small particles,” said Dr.  Joe Forrester, a pulmonologist at Vail Health. “The soot that we see are large particles, and those are near the fire… But if you’re a distance away and you can see the haze, and the haze is near you, then those are what is considered fine particles, and fine particles can affect the respiratory system.” The small particles, measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, can “get into your bronchial tubes and can create irritation, inflammation, and health problems in susceptible individuals,” Forrester said.

High-risk groups include children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions. “Those with a tenuous risk of asthma who often need inhaler medications or occasionally visit the emergency room must take the most caution,” Forrester warned.

While it may be difficult to avoid the haze altogether, you can take steps to minimize exposure. Seal your home by closing doors and windows to decrease fine particulate matter. It’s also essential to check the air quality index using websites like AirNow.gov, operated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Knowing how to respond is crucial as wildfires become more common. “Wildfires are a problem that’s here to stay. Everything is getting warmer and drier,” said Kirk Weems, Eagle County’s environmental health specialist. “Research will continue to emerge, and we will hear more about the need to be cautious around haze inhalation.”

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