Impact of Breathing Quality on Lung Wellbeing
Rewritten Article:
The smoldering flames in Pacific Palisades and other Southern California neighborhoods have sparked a growing concern about air quality among the local community. Even though the fires have died down, lingering health hazards persist. Augustine Chung, MD, a respiratory expert in Westwood, and Reza Ronaghi, MD, an interventional pulmonologist in Santa Monica, discuss the impact of smoke and other pollutants on our bodies and ways to minimize damage.
How does poor air quality, including wildfire smoke, affect our health?
Dr. Chung explains that the severity of the effects depends on factors like proximity to the source, concentration, and duration of exposure. While living near a polluting factory or heavily trafficked road poses a greater risk, short-term wildfire smoke exposure can still take a toll on our respiratory health. Our bodies have mechanisms to filter out particles we inhale, but microbes, dust, and debris can penetrate deeper into our lungs and cause damage. Those with existing lung conditions, such as asthma, bronchiectasis, or lung scarring, are the most susceptible, as their natural defense mechanisms are already compromised. For others, poor air quality can cause temporary inflammation or irritation in the airways, leading to symptoms like coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and watery eyes.
What substances in the smoke harm our bodies?
The smallest particles, between 2.5 and 10 microns, can penetrate deep into our small airways and cause more damage than larger particles. Wildfire smoke can contain particles of ash and other burned materials, as well as dangerous substances like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Particles smaller than 2.5 microns can even enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to long-term health issues.
What can we do to reduce exposure to harmful substances?
"During a wildfire, it's best to stay as far away as possible from areas with smoke or poor air quality," recommends Dr. Ronaghi. If that's not an option, he suggests staying indoors as much as possible and closing windows and other openings to the outside. Invest in an HVAC system filter rated MERV13 or higher, and set it to circulate the air indoors. He also advocates using portable air purifiers with HEPA-grade air filters and following the manufacturer's guidelines for selecting the right machine for your space. While fires are burning, avoid activities like vacuuming, dusting, or any action that might stir up particles within your home. If you must go outside, wear a mask offering N95-level filtration. For those returning to burned areas, protective gear including masks, gloves, gowns, and eyewear is essential.
Should we be concerned about long-term health effects of wildfire smoke?
"Stay informed about local air quality, especially as we head into spring and summer when pollution becomes more of a factor," advises Dr. Ronaghi. Check airnow.gov, run by the EPA, or the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) to find current air quality levels. To access South Coast AQMD information, visit AQMD.gov and choose "Air Quality." Over the past few decades, both national and local air quality has improved significantly, but continuing to protect your lungs remains important.
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- Wildfire smoke, a persistent health hazard amidst smoldering flames in Pacific Palisades and other Southern California neighborhoods, can affect our respiratory health, with severity dependent on factors like proximity, concentration, and duration of exposure.
- Despite being more of a risk to those with existing lung conditions like asthma, bronchiectasis, or lung scarring, short-term wildfire smoke exposure can impact the health-and-wellness of individuals without such medical-conditions, causing temporary inflammation or irritation in the respiratory-conditions.
- To minimize damage from poor air quality, it is recommended to stay as far away as possible from areas with smoke or poor air quality during wildfires. If staying indoors, close windows and other openings, invest in an HVAC system with a MERV13 or higher filter, and use portable air purifiers with HEPA-grade air filters.
- Wildfire smoke contains harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and particles that can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing long-term health issues and environmental-science concerns, especially when moving into spring and summer seasons.
- Fitness-and-exercise fanatics and those conscious of climate-change effects should consider the environmental implications of wildfire smoke, understanding that a healthy environment is essential for personal nutrition and overall health.
- In light of the growing concern about air quality, it is crucial to prioritize health-and-wellness by staying informed, practicing proper precautions during wildfires, and adopting sustainable habits that contribute to a healthier climate for future generations.
