Fire Season Warning for Washington Residents

Smoke Advisory for People with Asthma and Chronic Lung Conditions

Due to hot, dry spring weather, Washington is now facing a fire season alert around the state. The American Lung Association® of Washington has guidance on how to stay safe and healthy during this season, especially the nearly one million residents who suffer from severe respiratory conditions.

"Smoke can trigger health problems in children; the elderly; and people who suffer from asthma, emphysema, and other lung diseases," said Robin Evans-Agnew, RN and Director or Programs for the American Lung Association® of Washington. "We want people to be prepared this year. That means developing an asthma management plan with their physicians to determine when to use additional medications or seek further medical treatment," Evans-Agnew added.

Breathing smoke can affect healthy people by causing inflammation and irritation resulting in coughing, reducing lung function, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. The effects from breathing smoke range from eye and respiratory tract irritation to more serious effects including reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma and premature death.

The American Lung Association® of Washington advises people to take the following steps to stay healthy during fire season:

• Be Prepared. People with asthma and other respiratory problems should be sure to have at least a five-day supply of medications on hand at all times through the summer. Use your peak flow meter if prescribed. Do not hesitate to take your medication, and avail yourself of the full spectrum of medications your doctor has prescribed to you. Keep a multiple-day supply of non-perishable groceries that do not require cooking, on hand so driving can be minimized.
• Check the Daily Air Quality Index. The American Lung Association® of Washington offers free email notification through its Breathe Easy Network for some counties. When air quality deteriorates, people can take necessary precautions. To sign up today!
• Stay inside with windows and doors shut. Keep doors, windows and fireplace dampers shut and preferably with clean air circulating through air conditioners and/or air cleaners and purifiers. Use air conditioners on the recirculation setting so outside air will not be moved into the room.
• Reduce or avoid physical activity. Avoid making trips outside. If you have to leave the house, breathe through a damp cloth to help filter out particles in the air. Refrain from exercising outdoors, especially if you smell smoke or notice eye or throat irritation. Avoid from vacuuming since they disperse a very fine dust into the air.
• Leave the area. The most effective course may be to relocate temporarily while the area is affected by smoke.
• Set air conditioners to recycle mode. Make sure any air conditioning units are set to re-circulate, to prevent smoke-laden air from re-entering the home or building.
• Avoid wearing dust masks. Wearing a dust mask, wet or dry bandana or surgical mask is not effective to reduce smoke. In order for a mask to work, it must filter fine particles, such as a HEPA filer. These are difficult to wear and are easily worn improperly and can interfere with breathing.
• Drink plenty of water. Breathing through a warm, wet washcloth can also help relieve dryness.

-You are healthy and do not have a chronic illness but are experiencing chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden or overwhelming fatigue. Smoke can "unmask" or produce symptoms of such diseases.

-Your pulmonary symptoms are not relieved by the usual medicines. Symptoms to watch for: wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty taking a full breath, chest tightness or pain, light headedness, dizziness or severe fatigue.

-You develop a persistent cough, or difficult or painful breathing. The onset of symptoms can appear as late as 24 to 48 hours after exposure and that smoke can remain in areas for many days after the fires have ended.

-You are using oxygen and feel you want to adjust your levels of intake.