Haldimand Family Health Team

PLEASE NOTE: All of our clinics will be closed this afternoon (Wednesday, July 9th) for a staff training. The clinics will reopen Thursday at 8:30am.
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Wildfire Smoke and Your Lungs: What You Need to Know

Wildfire Smoke and Your Lungs: What You Need to Know

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Wildfires are becoming more common, and while the flames are dangerous, the smoke they produce can be just as harmful — especially to your lungs. Even if a wildfire isn’t close to your home, the smoke can travel long distances and affect the air you breathe.

Breathing in wildfire smoke can bother anyone. It may cause your eyes to water, your throat to feel scratchy, and your chest to feel tight. Some people get headaches or feel more tired than usual. Children are at higher risk because their lungs are still growing, and they breathe more air for their size than adults do.

If you already have a lung condition — like asthma, COPD, or even a recent lung infection — wildfire smoke can make your symptoms worse. You might start coughing more, feel short of breath, or even have an asthma attack. Smoke can also make it harder to recover from lung illnesses like pneumonia.

One of the biggest dangers in wildfire smoke is something called PM2.5 — tiny particles you can’t see, but that can go deep into your lungs and even get into your bloodstream. Over time, breathing in these particles can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, cancer, memory loss, and pregnancy complications.

So how can you protect yourself?

The best thing you can do is stay indoors when the air quality is bad. Keep your windows and doors closed and use your air conditioner if you have one — just make sure it’s set to recirculate the air, so smoke doesn’t come inside. Try not to burn candles, smoke indoors, or use strong cleaners that can make the air worse. If you need to go outside, wear a well-fitting N95 or P100 mask. These masks can help block the harmful particles in wildfire smoke better than regular face coverings.

Some people need to be extra careful during wildfire season — especially children, pregnant women, older adults, and anyone with heart or lung conditions. If you’re in one of these groups, try to avoid smoke filled air as much as possible, and check in with your doctor if you’re not feeling well.

At Haldimand Family Health Team, we’re here to help you stay healthy. If you’re having trouble breathing or your symptoms are getting worse, don’t wait — reach out to us. We can help you breathe easier and stay safe during wildfire season and beyond.