Exposure to Smoke From Wildfires is a Health Hazard

20130817-FS-UNK-0055” by U.S. Department of Agriculture licensed under CC BY 2.0

Source: KQED

Exposure to particulate matter in smoke from wildfires can be hazardous to human health, and this week in the Bay Area in California, thousands of families are dealing with smoky skies.

Those who are at greatest risk are the elderly and persons suffering from pulmonary disorder, as well as children who are active outdoors.

“Typically, you’re going to see an increase in outpatient visits, also ER visits,” Dr. Robert Blount, a pulmonologist at UCSF who conducts research on the health impacts of air pollution, told KQED during an interview.

The Bay Area Quality Management District has advised Bay Area residents to limit activity outdoors and avoid opening windows and doors to their homes, which can help reduce pollutant levels immensely.

Read Full Story: KQED

Environment, Health, News
Environment, Health, News