More than 2.9 million acres have burned across Washington and Oregon this year. As the Pacific Northwest continues to experience historic wildfires, health risks increase markedly for people whose jobs require them to be outside.
"Wildfire smoke is more than just a bother because the smoke contains extremely small particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and into the body through circulation," said Dr. Leo Morales, an internal medicine physician at UW Medicine in Seattle.
Smoke is not only an irritant to one’s eyes and throat. It also increases risk of heart attacks, stroke, asthmatic attacks and other conditions. Outdoor workers, older adults, children and those with heart or lung conditions are especially vulnerable.
Morales encourages workers and employers to monitor the Air Quality Index, use a fitted N95 face mask and, if possible, to adjust work schedules when smoke levels are high. Anyone experiencing persistent shortness of breath or dizziness or confusion should seek medical care promptly, he added.
Download video soundbites and other broadcast-quality resources with Morales. Access Spanish-language versions.
