Wildfire Season Advisory for Healthcare Providers

Posted July 12, 2019. Past health advisories and alerts are archived for historical purposes and are not maintained or updated.

Wildfire season is fast approaching. Smoke from wildfires impacts local air quality and can cause health effects, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions and others who are especially sensitive to smoke pollution. Every year there are preventable hospitalizations and unanticipated deaths attributed to wildfire smoke exposure. By preparing ahead of time, we can minimize exposure to smoke.

What is in wildfire smoke?

• Smoke is a complex mixture of carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, particles, hydrocarbons and other organic chemicals, nitrogen oxides, and trace minerals.
• Fine particles (PM2.5) are the principle pollutant of concern from wildfire smoke for short-term exposures (hours to weeks).

What are some of the health effects of wildfire smoke?

• Fine particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs; exposure to the smallest particles can affect the lungs and heart.
• Fine particles are respiratory irritants and exposure to high concentrations can cause persistent cough, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
• Exposure to fine particles can also affect healthy people, causing respiratory symptoms and reductions in lung function. Particulate matter pollution may also affect the body's ability to remove foreign materials from the lungs, such as pollen and bacteria.
• Studies have found that short-term exposure (i.e., days to weeks) to particulate matter, a major component of smoke, is linked with aggravation of pre-existing heart and lung disease. 

The following resources are provided to assist in preparing your patients ahead of time to minimize their exposure to wildfire smoke, minimize symptoms in the event of exposure, and ensure patients have a plan if severe symptoms develop:

Educate patients about limiting outdoor activities when air quality is poor, providing alternatives that are in a safe and healthy environment.

• SpokaneCleanAir.org - reports current air quality information, updated hourly
• Washington Department of Ecology’s Washington Air Quality Monitoring Network webpage - interactive map and real-time air quality information
• Washington State Smoke Blog - statewide air quality and wildfire update
• Outdoor Activity Guide - Reference for youth, providing recommendations for recess, physical education, and athletic events and practices during smoky conditions
• WSDOH website and toolkit - additional wildfire information, including materials in other languages
• EPA website - information in a Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires and a section for Health Professionals, including a Particle Pollution and Your Patients’ Health on-line training

Educate patients about managing physical and psychological symptoms from smoke impact.

• Spokane Regional Health District’s website - frequently asked questions and other resources
• Know the Symptoms fact sheet - information about health effects from wildfire smoke exposure
• Sensitive populations flier – information on children, people over 65, and pregnant women

Identify patients with pre-existing conditions and ensure a medical response plan is in place.

• Develop a plan for when and where to seek medical care
• Identify possible medication changes, such as increased use of respiratory and allergy medications
• Describe the risks of particle pollution and cardiovascular disease

Educate patients to take steps to improve indoor air quality.

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides information on How to Create a Clean Room in Your Home During a Wildfire

Educate patients to use their best judgement on respiratory protection.

• N95 masks factsheet - recommendations and information about mask use
• Washington State Department of Health (WSDOH) video explains the proper way to wear a mask

Additional resources

• WSDOH website and toolkit - additional wildfire information, including materials in other languages
• EPA website - information in a Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires and a section for Health Professionals, including a Particle Pollution and Your Patients’ Health on-line training

These recommendations and resources were compiled by the Wildfire Smoke Impacts Advisory Group. This is a work group consisting of local and state agencies with the intent of distributing consistent health messaging throughout Washington.