Can Smoke from West Coast Wildfires Affect New Yorker’s Health?

Short answer: The elevated smoke will remain over 10,000 feet above our heads, which prevents air quality or human health as far away as New York. However, for those who live closer to the fires have more to worry about.

Wildfires have increased significantly within the past years affecting the lives of many. So often, these wildfires are caused by human interference and very dry matter such as leaves and twigs. These fires are uncontrollable and can destroy everything in their path for miles, including homes, farms, and businesses. With this in mind, if you need to be close to them then it is important to take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself from their harmful influences.

Why is wildfire smoke so harmful?

One of the most dangerous aspect of wildfire smoke is that it is filled with harmful air pollutants that are simply too easy to inhale. These particles tend to get stuck in the lungs and trigger health problems such as heart attacks, stroke, and can even kill those more susceptible to breathing problems. In addition, these fires put you at an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide, commonly known as CO, is a colorless, odorless gas that is found in the smoldering stages of a fire. Breathing in CO has the ability to cause nausea and headaches.

How can you protect your health if the air is not clean?

With all these dangers in mind, the next concern may be how to protect yourself. Simple, monitor and stay up to date on the air quality index. Typically, good quality air is rated between 0–50 and moderate from 51–100. Once we get to 151 and above, the air rates anywhere from what is know as unhealthy to hazardous at anything above 301. If it’s necessary for you to be outside in these conditions, it is advised that you wear a respiratory mask. If you have an increased sensitivity or risk to air pollutions, it is best to simply stay away from these conditions.

How close do you need to be to wildfires and wildfire smoke to be at risk?

You might be shocked to learn, that even at greater distances you can still be affected by wildfire smoke.

Here’s a summary of the key distances:

• 10+ miles — Healthy
• 5–10 miles — Moderate
• 3–5 miles — Unhealthy for those with sensitivities
• 1.5–3 miles — Unhealthy
• 1–1.5 miles — Very unhealthy
• Less than 1 mile — Hazardous

The minimum safe distance from a wildfire is at least 10 miles to prevent you from being affected by the smoke. As you get closer into the moderate range those with sensitivity may feel effects after prolonged exposure. These effects are increased at 3–5 miles for those with sensitivities such as asthma or pregnancy. As you get closer into the unhealthy and very unhealthy zone all people can be severely impacted. In the hazardous zones, exposure needs to be severely minimized to prevent the risk of death and/or long-term impacts to the lungs.

Stay healthy, stay aware, and stay safe. Staying up to date on the weather and air conditions in your area will help ensure that you’re well protected. If you live in an area with an increased risk of fires, keep a couple of respiratory masks available for you and your family.

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