If you’re living with Alpha-1, your lungs are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of wildfire smoke. Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs, exacerbating existing lung conditions and potentially leading to long-term lung damage.

Symptoms of Wildfire Exposure

Wildfire smoke can trigger symptoms that worsen your condition, including:

  • Coughing – This is often one of the first signs of irritation
  • Headaches – Caused by smoke inhalation affecting the airways and possibly reducing oxygen intake
  • Shortness of breath – A common symptom due to the inflammation and irritation in the airways
  • Scratchy or sore throat  – Inhalation of smoke and chemicals can dry out and irritate the throat
  • Strange taste in your mouth – This could be a result of chemicals in the smoke or the inflammatory response in your body

How to Protect Yourself

While it’s impossible to control the air quality around you during wildfire events, you can take proactive measures to protect your health:

1. Maintain your medications: Have a backup supply of all prescribed medications, including inhalers, bronchodilators, and any medications for exacerbations. If you’re using nebulizers, make sure you have an adequate stock of supplies.

2. Take medications as prescribed: Follow the prescribed dosage and timing for your medications. Missing doses or not using your inhalers properly can make your symptoms worse during wildfire exposure.

2. Stay hydrated: Keeping your airways moist is essential to reduce irritation. Drinking water throughout the day can help, but you may also consider using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air. Hydration helps keep the mucus in your lungs thin, which can reduce irritation from the smoke.

3. Contact your healthcare provider: If you begin to experience new symptoms or notice a worsening of existing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may adjust your treatment plan, recommend different medications, or suggest alternative treatments during wildfire smoke events.

4. Make plans for infusion treatments: If your condition requires regular augmentation therapy infusions, smoke exposure may make it difficult to attend appointments. Home infusions or self-infusions may be a viable option for you. Consult your healthcare provider about these alternatives to ensure you continue receiving the treatment you need.

Below are additional ways you can protect yourself.

Steps You Can Take at Home

While indoors, there are several ways to protect yourself from harmful smoke particles and irritants.

1. Close and seal doors and windows: When wildfire smoke is prevalent in your area, seal off any gaps in doors or windows with weather stripping, duct tape, or towels. This helps to keep the smoke from infiltrating your living space.

2. Ensure you have a carbon monoxide (CO) detector: Wildfire smoke may contain carbon monoxide, which is dangerous because it’s colorless and odorless. A functioning CO detector is crucial for detecting this potentially life-threatening gas. If you don’t have one, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

3. Avoid activities that reduce indoor air quality: Certain indoor activities can make the air inside your home even more polluted, particularly during smoke events:

  • Smoking indoors should be strictly avoided, as tobacco smoke exacerbates respiratory conditions.
  • Gas stoves can release fine particulate matter and gases that irritate your lungs. If you need to cook, consider using an electric stove or microwave instead.
  • Burning candles or using incense can also add pollutants to the air.

4. Optimize your HVAC system: To improve the air quality inside your home:

  • Set the fan to “ON” to keep air circulating and help filter out smoke particles.
  • If possible, set your HVAC system to “recirculate” mode to prevent smoke from entering the system.
  • Ensure you’re using the highest-quality filter that your HVAC system can support, and check it frequently. During wildfire events, you may need to replace the filter every few days to maintain air quality.

5. Use a portable air purifier: A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can capture up to 99.97% of fine particles from wildfire smoke. Follow these steps to ensure you’re getting the most out of your air purifier:

  • Place a portable air purifier in your main living areas and bedrooms to help filter the air.
  • Run the purifier continuously when smoke levels are high.
  • Ensure that the air purifier does not generate ozone (avoid models labeled “ionizer” or “electrostatic”). Ozone can irritate your lungs and worsen respiratory symptoms.

Steps You Can Take Outdoors  

When wildfires are actively impacting your area, your goal should be to minimize exposure to smoke as much as possible.

1. Limit your time outdoors: Whenever possible, stay indoors where the air is cleaner. If you need to go outside:

  • Limit physical activity to light activities and minimize the amount of time spent outdoors. Exertion can make breathing more difficult and aggravate symptoms.
  • Wear a fitted N95 mask, which filters out particulate matter. Make sure the mask fits snugly to your face, as gaps can let smoke particles through.

2. When driving: Keep your vehicle’s windows and vents closed to prevent smoke from entering the cabin. Use the air conditioning’s recirculation setting to avoid drawing in outside air. Avoid using the recirculation setting for long than 10-15 minutes at a time

How to Monitor Air Quality

Monitoring the air quality in your area is critical to understanding when the conditions are unsafe and when to take action.

The Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures the levels of pollutants like particulate matter, ozone, and carbon monoxide. The higher the AQI number, the worse the air quality:

  • An AQI of 0-50 is considered good, posing little or no risk.
  • An AQI of 51-100 is moderate, but may affect those with respiratory conditions.
  • 101-150 or higher is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including those with Alpha-1.
  • AQI values over 300 are hazardous to everyone, especially people with lung diseases.

Checking the AQI

To monitor the air quality, you can check reliable resources like:

  • AirNow.gov for real-time air quality data.
  • The AQI feature on weather apps or websites such as Weather.com.
  • Your city’s local health department – many cities and states provide real-time air quality updates through local health departments.

Conclusion

Taking the right precautions and monitoring your environment closely can help you stay safe during wildfire events. If you’re living with Alpha-1, it’s crucial to take extra care with your lung health and follow these steps to minimize exposure to harmful smoke.

Stay safe, stay informed, and take care of your lungs during wildfire season.

Access the AlphaNet Medical Team’s “Wildfire Smoke Safety for Alphas” one-pager document here: Wildfire Smoke Safety for Alphas. 

Sources: 

https://www.epa.gov/wildfire-smoke-course/health-effects-attributed-wildfire-smoke

https://www.ready.gov/wildfires

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/co_detectors.html

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/air-cleaners-and-air-filters-home

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-11/documents/respiratory_protection-no-niosh-5081.pdf