If you’re an allergy sufferer, you may already know that flowers, pollen, and dust are not welcome when managing your symptoms. But how about wildfire smoke? Most people don’t have to worry about wildfires, but with our changing climate, wildfire events are becoming increasingly prevalent. Smoke from wildfires can permeate the surrounding area, raising particulate pollution and creating air quality concerns for residents. Depending on factors such as wind, weather, and terrain, the smoke can travel hundreds or thousands of miles. So, if you’re in a neighboring area and think your air is clear, it’s likely not.
What’s the impact on you if you’re near a fire? Wildfire smoke releases tiny particles and chemicals that can easily penetrate your respiratory system, worsening symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion. Those who don't suffer from allergies can still experience allergic reactions. The good news is that Alen has air purifiers for wildfire smoke, which can help reduce the negative emissions from wildfires. Our VOC/Smoke filter has extra carbon that adsorbs the gaseous components of the smoke while our HEPA layer captures the fine particulates that penetrate your home. Alen has you covered! Take control of your indoor air quality and breathe smoke-free air.
So, does Wildfire Smoke Make Your Allergies Worse? In short, yes wildfire smoke can potentially irritate the respiratory system, inflame airways and trigger allergic reactions.
What Chemicals Are in Wildfire Smoke?
So what exactly is wildfire smoke? Think of it as a chemical cocktail—a mix of particulates that includes ash, other fine particles, and chemicals—that floats in the air and can penetrate your home. You can also inhale these pollutants if you’re in the same area. Let’s drill down further. Where do the pollutants come from? Burning trees, vegetation, and man-made materials release various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM) and gasses, into the air that mix and travel miles beyond the actual fire. PM, particularly PM2.5, comprises tiny particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. Such small particles, which are invisible to the naked eye, can penetrate deep into your lungs. Once inhaled, the particles can trigger allergic reactions or worsen runny noses, itchy eyes, and sore throats. In high concentrations, exposure to PM2.5 can increase the risk of more respiratory issues. Whew, we all want to avoid that!
But wait—there’s more. Wildfire smoke also contains a mix of harmful gasses, including:
- Formaldehyde
- Benzene
- Nitrogen monoxide
- Carbon monoxide
Symptoms of Wildfire Smoke Inhalation
So, now you know about the composition of wildfire smoke and the potential irritation to the respiratory system. With the potential to inflame airways and trigger allergic reactions, it's best to avoid exposure. Makes sense, right? However, if you inhale wildfire smoke, there are some symptoms to look out for.
But first, it's important to note that the effects depend on your level of exposure and individual sensitivity, and can be immediate or develop over time. For instance, if you have allergies, asthma, or any other pre-existing conditions, you are more vulnerable than the typical individual. Recall that the fine particles in the smoke can enter the lungs, causing inflammation and restricted breathing. So, those already prone to respiratory issues may experience more severe reactions that require medical attention.
Here are some symptoms to be aware of so you can take adequate steps to protect yourself:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Stinging, burning, and watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Asthma attack
- Chest pains
How Are Allergy and Asthma Sufferers Affected?
Our assertions about wildfire smoke and allergies are backed up by science. Research shows that wildfire smoke is especially impactful on individuals with allergies and asthma. For instance, a study on wildfire smoke exposure published by the UC Davis Health team found that individuals with asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to the health risks posed by wildfire smoke. The study observed increased emergency department visits and hospitalizations during periods of poor air quality as wildfire smoke particles worsened lung inflammation. Even healthy individuals showed elevated inflammatory markers, indicating that wildfire smoke can affect many people, not just those with pre-existing conditions. Good to know!
How to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
If it’s wildfire season, we offer several quick and easy ways to protect yourself. The combination of smoke along with existing airborne allergens is something to be avoided. Let’s take a look at some simple precautions that can help you minimize your allergies in the presence of wildfire smoke:
- Stay Indoors: Remain inside as much as possible, especially during times of peak smoke.
- Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid outdoor exercise or activities that increase your breathing rate.
- Keep Indoor Air Clean: Close windows and doors to prevent smoke from entering your home.
- Follow Health Advisories: Stay updated on local air quality and follow health warnings.
- Use Respiratory Protection: If you must go outside, wear an N95 mask for better protection.
- Use Air Purifiers: Run air purifiers with HEPA filters at the highest tolerable fan speed to reduce indoor smoke particles, such as those at Alen.
Conclusion
Whether or not you live in a wildfire-prone area, we hope you’re feeling confident managing your allergies in the presence of smoke. Remember that you can easily reduce your exposure and take steps to protect yourself by staying indoors, following health advisories, and using air purifiers with the right filter. For wildfire smoke, we recommend our VOC/Smoke filter for the BreatheSmart 45i, FLEX, and Classic, or the Fresh filter for the BreatheSmart 75i. Partner with Alen to better safeguard your indoor air quality and breathe air that’s free of smoke. We offer a range of air purifiers designed to filter out smoke particles, gasses, and other allergens. Find the best solution for your home with Alen and breathe easier today.
