Protect yourself from forest fire smoke

(September 13, 2011)—

Forest fire smoke poses lethal health hazards to people living and working in the surrounding areas. Residents with respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and also those with chronic heart disease should take extra precautions during this time and call their physician immediately if problems develop. 

“Even those without lung diseases are at risk during this time,” said Meghan Miller, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago. “With rising smoke levels, there is an increased risk of dangerous health effects ranging from respiratory tract irritation to more serious illness, including reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma, and premature death. This is especially true for older adults and outdoor workers. Take special care to protect children. They are more susceptible to smoke, because their respiratory systems are still developing.” 

People living near fire-stricken areas are encouraged to stay inside as much as possible, with doors, windows and fireplace dampers shut—with clean air circulating through air conditioners and/or air cleaners. Residents should use the recirculation setting on their home air conditioners to avoid outdoor air contamination, but using whole house fans is not recommended, because they can bring in unfiltered outside air.

When driving through smoky areas, car windows and vents should be kept closed. Air conditioning should be set to “recirculate” to avoid exposure to unhealthy outside air.

Those living in surrounding areas of the fires should avoid exercising outdoors, particularly if they smell smoke or experience eye or throat irritation. 

“Due to the extremely high levels of pollutants, people with respiratory problems and chronic heart disease may be experiencing increased symptoms and should contact their doctor promptly, especially those using oxygen. People using oxygen are strongly cautioned to not adjust their levels of intake without consulting their doctor first,” said Miller.

Individuals with asthma are also encouraged to contact their physician regarding any changes in medication they may need to cope with smoky conditions. The American Lung Association advises asthma patients who cannot reach their doctor to continue to take their medication and closely follow their asthma action plan as prescribed.


More information on how to protect yourself during forest fires can be found here. You can also call the American Lung Association Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA to speak to someone directly, or submit a question online. We're here to answer your lung health questions.