Does Wildfire Smoke Harm Your Health? (Surprising)

Red itchy eyes, burning lungs, a hacking cough…

If you live in one of the (at least) 13 U.S. states stuck under a smoky haze from the blazing wildfires in Canada, you’re likely feeling its effects every time you step outside.

The blanket of noxious smoke hanging over the Northeast and Midwestern parts of the country makes it perfectly clear that the air quality out there is poor.

After all, you can literally SEE and SMELL it hundreds of miles away from its source.

But just HOW dangerous is breathing in that smoke?

Let’s take a closer look.

I’ll cut to the chase. Wildfire smoke poses serious health risks.

I’ve warned readers about the dangers of air pollution before. But wildfire smoke is even WORSE.

Research comparing typical air pollution to the same amount of wildfire smoke shows that wildfire pollution causes MORE inflammation and tissue damage.

You see, the haze lingering out there isn’t “just” smoke. It can contain toxic gases, dust, dirt, and other particulate matter such as plastic, metal, and toxic chemicals (including phthalates and dioxins).

And when it comes to particulate matter, the smaller it is, the more danger it poses. Breathing in particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5), can irritate your respiratory linings. They can even worm their way deep into your alveoli.

Protective macrophage cells will surround some of them. Others may get trapped in mucus and get coughed up. But some can travel from your lungs to other organs.

Common smoke exposure symptoms include throat, eye, and skin irritation, as well as coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and chest tightness.

We know from research on firefighters that breathing in wildfire smoke over several days can trigger lung function and heart problems. Plus, studies link wildfire smoke to higher rates of heart attacks, cardiac arrests, and strokes.

And there’s growing evidence that the adverse effects of smoke exposure can linger long after the haze has cleared, including higher risks for…

  • heart disease
  • respiratory illnesses
  • lung cancer
  • brain tumors
  • cognitive issues
  • fungal infections

The bottom line? You should do your best to AVOID exposure.

That means when there’s wildfire smoke in your area, stay inside if possible. Limit all necessary outdoor activities. Close the windows and vents in your home and car. And pay attention to local air-quality warnings.

Consider investing in a true-HEPA air purifier for your home. A moderately priced model should effectively clear the particles found in wildfire smoke from an average bedroom or living room.

Oh, and those N95 masks you purchased to protect yourself from COVID can come in handy here. If you MUST be outside mask up to reduce the amount of particulate matter you inhale.

For more tips on reducing exposure indoors and out, check out the EPA’s pages on Reducing Exposure to Wildfire Smoke.

P.S. When you think of air pollution the typical culprits come to mind… things like car exhaust, factory fumes, and wildfire smoke. But a particularly nasty air pollutant could be hiding in your OWN home. CLICK HERE to reveal what it is.

Sources:

“Review of the health effects of wildland fire smoke on wildland firefighters and the public.” Inhal Toxicol. 2016;28(3):95-139. doi: 10.3109/08958378.2016.1145771. PMID: 26915822.

“Long-term exposure to wildfires and cancer incidence in Canada: a population-based observational cohort study,” The Lancet Planetary Health, Published: May, 2022, doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(22)00067-5

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Is Your Diet ACTUALLY Healthy? Here’s How to Tell

I’ve probably uttered the phrase “healthy diet” when talking to patients, family, and friends more times than I’ve had cups of coffee—and that’s saying something! But I’ll admit it’s not always entirely clear what a healthy diet looks like. What does healthy eating really mean? Let’s take a look… Good news—healthy eating doesn’t mean you...

Read This

7 Natural Ways to Tackle Pain Without Pills

On Tuesday, we explored a promising new frontier in pain relief: terpenes, natural compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that may ease pain without the risks of opioids. That research is still developing. But what if you’re looking for help right now? Good news: You don’t have to wait for a pharmaceutical breakthrough to...

Read This

Mailbag: Pinched to Pain Free with Natural Sciatica Solutions

“I have been suffering from sciatic pain in my hip and groin. I try to do exercises to stretch it. But ever since I slipped on the ice and fell on my left hip it seems to be getting worse. Is there any help for this?” -Painfully Pinched Dear Pinched, I understand how frustrating sciatic...

Read This

New Cannabis Discovery Could Ease Pain—Without the High

A few years ago, everywhere you turned, someone was talking about CBD. The cannabis extract had exploded in popularity for everything from anxiety to inflammation to joint pain. And while the CBD conversation continues, another cannabis compound is quietly making headlines. One that could—believe it or not—provide relief from all kinds of pain. Without the...

Read This

"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk

Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...

Read This

Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED

By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...

Read This

Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory

You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...

Read This

Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check

I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...

Read This

Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer

We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....

Read This

Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer

“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....

Read This