Hazardous air quality forecast for much of Minnesota Thursday as fires grow

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 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 

. 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. 

Get the latest information on wildfires in Minnesota

“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 increases 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 

“Keep your medications close at hand, especially inhalers, and check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and young.” he added. 

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A Duluth-based doctor explains how wildfire smoke differs from other types of air quality alerts and how it impacts the body. 

Wildfire smoke is able to enter bloodstream, Duluth-based doctor says

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