October 29, 2007

In the News: California Wildfires Bolster Inland Air Pollution

Though the weather in Southern California has begun to shift in the favor of exhausted firefighters, the smoke created by the flames will stick with us for a while yet. The winds that fanned the 13 major fires have calmed and a light mist may discourage any potential new fires. Part of the lingering affect of the wildfires will be the impact on the air quality in the surrounding regions.

In a story on the Press Enterprise’s website, the full impact of the wildfire smoke is going to create some of the worst air pollution California has seen this year. On top of the usual urban smog, now tiny smoke particles will be drifting with the wind. The costal eddy system off the shore of California is expected to blow the smoke laden air back inland, which has authorities issuing warming advising day cares and schools to keep children from exercising. This warning applies outdoor, but it also encompasses indoor activities as well, because of the pervasiveness of the smoke particles and the harmful effect they can have on lungs.

Children, elderly persons and those with heart and/or lung diseases like emphysema, chronic bronchitis or any other disease categorized as COPD willexperience the brunt of symptoms.

Those with allergies and asthma can expect that their symptoms may be harder to suppress—Dr. Long Bach at the Kaiser Permanente hospital has seen a 20% increase in patients with respiratory concerns.

Health studies have linked fine-particle pollution to heart attacks, cancer, early deaths and (in children who endured chronic exposure) stunted lung development. In a survey from elementary and high school students who had short-term smoke exposure during the wildfires of 2003, the rate of missed school days and doctor visits were double those of other students.

Click here to see the full article “Fire Pushes Inland Air Pollution to Yearly High”

One solution that should be considered for home within the range of the drifting smoke is the implementation of HEPA filters to remove particles from indoor air. Switching out average furnace and air conditioning filters like the 1’’ Dynamic Air Cleaner Panel, will ensure that even the tiniest specs of ash will be removed from the air.

It is of paramount to protect your children to smoke exposure—because they have a smaller lung capacity and overall body weight makes them susceptible to diseases associated with smoke inhalation. Another factor that puts children at greater risk is the fact that their lungs continue developing throughout their childhood years and a heavy pollutant like smoke can stunt lungs and impair lung capacity. For children’s bedrooms, it is advisable to use an air purifier like the IQAir HealthPro Plus to ensure that all traces of the smoke is removed.

Keep your family safe from the inside-out.

Filed under In The News, Allergies, Asthma, Smoke Removal, Air Quality by Dan Buglio