In 2024, there were 64,897 wildfires reported and this summer smoke from hundreds of active Canadian wildfires has again drifted into the United States, triggering widespread air quality alerts from the Midwest to the East Coast. Experts attribute the escalating frequency and intensity of wildfires to rising global temperatures, persistent drought conditions, and delayed snowmelt, all of which contribute to increasingly flammable landscapes. With wildfire smoke now a recurring summertime threat for millions of Americans, public health officials are urging individuals to take proactive steps to reduce exposure and mitigate serious health risks.

The effects of wildfires are far reaching, from causing severe air pollution, to damaging ecosystems and even property. But above all else, wildfires pose serious risks to your health from smoke inhalation. Smoke carries numerous pollutants and can travel long distances all across the country. From immediate coughing and fatigue to potential long-term impacts on your cardiovascular and respiratory health, it’s important to discuss the health risk so that you can manage your exposure properly.

Immediate and Long-Term Health Effects of Wildfires

Inhaling wildfire smoke can cause various immediate health effects as well as long-term effects that may not arise until long after significant inhalation. Immediate effects present with coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, and headaches. You should watch for persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, and fatigue as signs of immediate smoke exposure. Moreover, those with pre-existing respiratory conditions may experience more severe symptoms, including increased frequency of asthma attacks and reduced lung function for instance.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke due to their developing respiratory systems, which can lead to more severe respiratory symptoms and longer recovery times compared to adults. Hence, prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke as a child can result in long-term health issues such as chronic respiratory problems, reduced lung function, and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Long-term, wildfire smoke also affects cardiovascular health by causing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to increased incidents of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications. Note that vulnerable populations are at higher risk for these serious health effects. Lastly, wildfire smoke inhalation can lead to certain diseases and conditions including bronchitis, respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even neurological issues. Notes that wildfire smoke also contributes to almost 400,000 deaths worldwide each year, significantly contributing to global mortality.

Here is a detailed and comprehensive list of the immediate and long-term effects that you should be aware of:

Why Is Wildfire Smoke So Unique?

Wildfire smoke can have these health effects because the smoke itself contains a mix of pollutants, and can create harmful gasses, each of which can have distinct impacts. While individuals with specific health concerns or allergies can have more significant reactions, recall that the average human can get sick and experience long-term effects from wildfire smoke inhalation. Let’s take a look at each pollutant and how it affects our health in the short and long-term:

Particulate Matter

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the particulate matter that encompasses wildfire smoke is 90% of very tiny particles that can quickly get into your home, and therefore your respiratory system. The smoke and particles within it can travel considerable distances if weather permits, exposing most parts of the country to chemicals and pollutants. 

Particulate matter, especially PM2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers), can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. This can cause respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and aggravated asthma. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes. PM10 (particles smaller than 10 micrometers) can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen. Inhaling CO can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion. High levels of exposure can lead to more severe symptoms, including impaired vision and coordination, cardiovascular effects, and, in extreme cases, death.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are a group of organic chemicals that can evaporate easily into the air. Short-term exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and dizziness. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health effects, including liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. Some VOCs are known carcinogens and can increase the risk of cancer.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

PAHs are a group of chemicals formed during the incomplete burning of organic substances. They can attach to small particles in the air and be inhaled into the lungs. PAHs are known to be carcinogenic and can increase the risk of lung, skin, and bladder cancer. Short-term exposure can cause eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory issues.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a VOC that is released during the combustion of organic materials. It can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, and wheezing. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly nasopharyngeal and leukemia.

Acrolein

Acrolein is another VOC that can cause severe irritation to the eyes, nose, and respiratory system. Short-term exposure can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure can result in chronic respiratory issues and has been linked to cardiovascular diseases.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Sulfur dioxide is a gas that can cause respiratory problems, particularly in individuals with asthma. It can irritate the airways, leading to coughing, mucus secretion, and aggravation of existing lung diseases. Long-term exposure can decrease lung function and increase the risk of respiratory infections.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Nitrogen oxides are gases that can irritate the respiratory system, causing inflammation of the airways, says the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Short-term exposure can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of respiratory infections. Long-term exposure can contribute to the development of asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases.

Wildfire can be composed of several of these compounds plus thousands more. Along with each of the concerns stemming from the individual pollutants, the health concerns caused by wildfire smoke’s gasses and particulate matter include triggers to pre-existing conditions, as well as the ability to expose people to health issues they didn’t already have as discussed.

Vulnerable Populations

As mentioned, certain populations are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of wildfire smoke. These include children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Again children’s respiratory systems are still developing, and elderly tend to have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to the harmful particles and gasses present in wildfire smoke we discussed.

Pregnant women are also at significant risk, as exposure to wildfire smoke can affect both maternal and fetal health. Studies have shown that pregnant women exposed to high levels of particulate matter from wildfire smoke may face an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in their infants. It is crucial for pregnant women to minimize exposure and stay indoors during high smoke events.

For individuals with heart conditions, it is recommended to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and use air purifiers to reduce indoor pollution levels. Avoiding physical exertion is also essential to minimize the strain on the heart. Those with COPD should take similar precautions and ensure they have access to medications and an action plan in case of exacerbation. Using N95 masks when going outside can help reduce inhalation of harmful particles, though staying indoors as much as possible remains the best protection.

How to Protect Yourself from Exposure

To minimize inhalation of wildfire smoke, we have some tips and best practices for you to follow on a daily basis. With these simple measures and lifestyle changes, you can protect your health in the event of a wildfire:

• Best Practices: Regularly check air quality reports and stay informed about smoke levels in your area, use air conditioning on recirculate mode, and avoid using candles or fireplaces indoors during wildfire events. Also try to stay indoors when possible if smoke is present outdoors and set up a cleanroom.
• Indoor Air Quality: Sealing windows and doors, using air purifiers, and avoiding activities that generate indoor pollutants such as smoking, vacuuming, or using gas stoves can help maintain cleaner indoor air.
• Masks and Particles: N95 masks can filter out most harmful particles, but not all, making them a useful but not foolproof protective measure.
• Air Purifiers: High-efficiency air purifiers, especially those equipped with HEPA filters can significantly reduce indoor particulate matter, improving air quality and health outcomes.
• Outdoor Activity: Limiting outdoor physical activity during smoke events reduces exposure and health risks. Increased respiration rates during exercise lead to greater inhalation of pollutants, so choose times when smoke levels are lower, such as early mornings or after rain, and keep activities short if exercising outdoors.

Combat the Effects of Wildfire Smoke with an Air Purifier

When dealing with wildfire smoke, an air purifier can be your best tool, says the EPA. An air purifier is a device designed to improve indoor air quality by removing smoke particles and associated pollutants. It works by drawing in air and passing it through a series of filters including HEPA filters and activated carbon filters. HEPA filters target fine particulate matter such as smoke particles, dust, and allergens. Activated carbon filters on the other hand focus on adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors. Some air purifiers also incorporate ionizers, which release negative ions to bond with airborne particles, making them easier to filter out.

Since some products are best for different things, we have outlined certain concerns you may have and how an air purifier works to easily solve your issues and limit the health effects of wildfire smoke inhalation.

1. Carbon & HEPA Filters Get Rid of Smoke Smell

Air purifiers can eliminate the smell of wildfire smoke through the combined use of activated carbon filters, HEPA filters, and sometimes ionizers. Since activated carbon filters can adsorb odor-causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during wildfires, they can effectively neutralize the smoke smell by trapping these molecules on their large surface area. HEPA filters enhance this process by capturing fine particulate matter, including smoke particles that can carry odors, thereby reducing the source of the smell. 

Additionally, some purifiers use ionizers to bond with odor particles, making them easier to filter out or causing them to fall from the air more quickly. Specifically, the ionizer captures pollutants with negative ions that attach to dust and allergens. Since air ionizers alone aren’t effective at removing harmful air particles, they work alongside HEPA filtration to trap contaminants and reduce odors. Some air purifiers also come with deodorizing filters, so you’re not just cleaning the air, but you are reducing odors as well. Together, these technologies work to create an odor free environment.

2. HEPA Eliminates Soot

Similarly, air purifiers can effectively remove soot from wildfires primarily with HEPA filters. When wildfire smoke enters your home, it brings with it an abundance of microscopic soot particles that can settle on your surfaces and linger in the air. Since these filters are designed to capture at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, they can easily capture fine soot particles and prevent them from being recirculated or spread in your home, helping to reduce visible soot.

Be sure to strategically place the device where you’ll get the most benefit. This is where you spend most of your time, which could be next to your bed or in a central part of a living space. You can also find a portable air purifier that’s lightweight and move it where you need it throughout the day. Lastly, avoid “ionic air purifiers” and “ozone air purifiers” since they don’t remove fine particulates in soot, as well as a HEPA filter does.

3. Activated Carbon Absorbs Chemicals

When it comes to chemicals, activated carbon filters are the main feature at work. Remember that wildfire smoke contains a complex mixture of gasses and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can pose serious health risks as we discussed. The porous nature of activated carbon provides a large surface area for trapping pollutants, and its chemical composition allows it to bond with VOCs, causing the compounds to stick to the surface of the carbon filter instead of staying in the air. This not only neutralizes odors and harmful substances but effectively removes them from the air. For enhanced performance, using HEPA filters in conjunction ensures that both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants are efficiently removed.

To find the best-activated carbon air purifier, you should first make sure that it includes over five-carbon pounds. The higher the amount and thickness of carbon, the more chemicals can be adsorbed and faster. It may be another filter you have to change every six months, but you’ll get the comprehensive benefits and protection from wildfire smoke you and your family need.

Best Air Purifiers for Reducing Wildfire Smoke

Final Thought

Inhaling wildfire smoke can lead to immediate health issues such as coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, and exacerbation of asthma, while long-term exposure can result in chronic respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases. As wildfire prevalence is continuing to increase throughout the United States, you should be taking preventive measures to reduce your exposure. This could be achieved by using air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters, staying indoors, or monitoring air quality daily. By taking advantage of these tools, you can live free from the worry of wildfire smoke inhalation.