By Beth Trimarco
This news story is also available in Spanish.
As California Clean Air Day approaches on October 2, we in California are in the midst of wildfire season. Due to climate change, our wildfires in California are more intense, burn longer and impact more parts of the state. Frequent wildfires across our state release tiny particles into the air that not only darken skies, but are also inhaled into our lungs, posing serious health risks.
“Those of us in the healthcare field see firsthand the impact of pollution, wildfires, extreme heat and floods on people’s health,” said Dr. Jennifer Nuovo, chief medical officer for Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. “Everyone is impacted by bad air, but these impacts are magnified for low-income communities, where pollution is often greater and there is less mitigation.”
Californians exposed to extreme pollution or wildfire smoke experience increased respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. Poor air quality exacerbates existing health conditions, causes negative mental health impacts, and leads to higher health care utilization and costs. Vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, pregnant women, individuals with pre-existing conditions and outdoor workers, are particularly at risk.
Across the country, healthcare costs stemming from pollution and climate change exceed $820 billion annually according to the National Resources Defense Council, with pollution from fossil fuels contributing to 107,000 premature deaths per year in the United States.
To protect yourself and loved ones, Dr. Nuovo offers several tips:
- Monitor air quality: Stay informed about the forecast and check the air quality. The AirNow Mobile app, as well as many weather apps, include air quality measurements and ratings.
- Stay indoors: If the air quality is poor, limit outdoor activities and keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke from entering. Consider visiting a California Clean Air Center if you don’t have an air-conditioning unit or can’t filter the air in your home. If you must go outside when the air quality is poor, wear an N95 mask.
- Use air purifiers and humidifiers: Invest in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier to help filter harmful particles from the air inside your home. If you don’t have one, you can make a temporary air filter using a box fan and a HEPA filter. When purchasing air conditioning, get one with a HEPA filter and set it to recirculate air to prevent outdoor air from being pulled inside. Adding moisture to indoor air with a humidifier can also help reduce irritation in your airways caused by poor air quality.
- Seal your home and avoid generating pollutants: Block gaps around doors and windows with weather stripping or towels to reduce the amount of smoke that enters the home. While indoors, avoid activities that increase air pollution, such as using gas stoves, smoking, vacuuming or burning candles.
- Hydrate and rest: Drink plenty of water to help your body and brain cope with the stress of smoke exposure, and rest as much as possible. Smoke can cause dehydration, and drinking fluids helps your body recover.
- Consult a doctor: If you have pre-existing respiratory conditions, follow your doctor’s advice and use prescribed medications or inhalers as directed (preferably ones that do not contribute to greater air pollution). If you notice a change in your well-being — such as severe shortness of breath, persistent coughing or chest pain — seek medical help immediately.
More resources:
- Join us in taking the pledge for California Clean Air Day on Oct. 2
- Learn more about Blue Shield of California’s sustainability efforts
- Support your mental health with our tips on combatting climate anxiety