Plan now to reduce wildfire smoke exposure

The sights and smells of smoky skies herald wildfire season in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Cora Sack, a UW Medicine specialist in lung diseases, says people in high-risk regions in the Pacific Northwest should prepare for smoke exposure.  

“Some of those actions you can take include knowing how and where to check your air quality (and) stocking up on supplies such as nonperishable goods and medications in case you need to stay indoors,” she  said. 

Certain groups, like young children, older adults, pregnant women and outdoor workers, are more vulnerable and should take extra precautions.  

Common symptoms of smoke exposure include irritation of the mucus membranes, Sack said, “so that may present with a headache, irritated or itchy eyes, sinus congestion, a scratchy or sore throat and cough.” 

The best preventive measures are to wear a mask and limiting outdoor activity. Go online to check the air quality before you venture outside. 

“I recommend sites like Air Now or the Washington Smoke Blog, and they have very fine-scale maps of what the air quality is in your area,” she said. “And then based on what the air quality is, (that information) can help guide your actions on what type of modifications might be necessary.” 

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