Wildfire smoke can enter bloodstream, Duluth doctor says
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Much of Minnesota is under hazardous air conditions as wildfire smoke smothers the state. Air quality index readings in places like Ely, nearest to the fires, are about eight times that of the maximum safe index.
The extra-hot conditions this summer have made the northern forests an arid landscape ripe for fires. And all that heat has effected air quality via ground-level ozone. But Dr. Dylan Wyatt, chair and medical director of the emergency department at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, said wildfire smoke is a different kind of danger.
“They're two and a half micrometers in diameter smaller. That allows them to go deep into lung tissue and enter directly into our bloodstreams,” Wyatt said. “It goes to our whole body. The lungs, the heart and the brain are the most at risk because those are some of our more vascular organs.”
He said that those who have a heart condition, COPD or asthma are especially at risk. Wyatt added that those with preexisting conditions can see risk of stroke or heart attack increase within 12 to 24 hours of consistent exposure and continues to increase over time.
“I want to make sure to mention children: They breathe more per pound of their body weight, and they really can have a higher risk from that systemic inflammation because they're still developing,” he said.
Wyatt’s advice is to stay inside, use a N95 mask if leaving the house and he said you can create an at-home air filter with an MERV 13 air filter or higher and a box fan.
“Keep your medications close at hand, especially inhalers, and check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and young.” he added.
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