Wildfire season has become a regular part of summer in the Pacific Northwest. Even if a fire is burning many miles away, smoke can travel long distances and affect the air we breathe here in our community. Poor air quality can irritate your lungs, worsen existing health conditions, and increase health risks for people of all ages.

At NUNM Health Centers, we want to help you understand how wildfire smoke can affect your health and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

What Is In Wildfire Smoke?

Wildfire smoke is much more than the smell of burning vegetation. It is a complex mixture of tiny particles and gases released as trees, plants, and other materials burn.

When fires spread into neighborhoods and urban areas, smoke may also contain chemicals released from homes, vehicles, and other buildings. These can include heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, plastics, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and PFAS, sometimes called “forever chemicals.”

One of the biggest health concerns is fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

How Wildfire Smoke Can Affect Your Health

Even healthy people may notice symptoms after spending time in smoky air. Common short-term effects include:

Burning or watery eyes
Sore throat or irritated nose
Coughing
Headaches
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Increased allergy symptoms

For people with asthma, chronic lung disease, or heart disease, wildfire smoke can make existing conditions worse. Research also shows that repeated or prolonged exposure may increase the risk of heart disease, respiratory infections, and certain cancers over time.

Who Should Be Extra Careful?

Some people are more sensitive to wildfire smoke and should take extra precautions, including:

Young children
Older adults
Pregnant individuals
People with asthma or chronic lung disease
Anyone with heart disease

If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or symptoms that continue to worsen, seek medical care right away.

How to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

The best way to reduce the health effects of wildfire smoke is to limit your exposure whenever air quality is poor.

Stay Inside When Air Quality Is Unhealthy

Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. If temperatures allow, stay indoors until conditions improve. It is also a good idea to avoid activities that create indoor air pollution, such as burning candles, smoking indoors, or cooking on a gas stove for extended periods.

Use an Air Purifier

A portable HEPA air purifier can help remove fine particles from the air in bedrooms and other frequently used spaces. Creating one clean-air room in your home can make a noticeable difference during smoke events.

Wear an N95 Mask Outdoors

If you need to spend time outside when smoke levels are high, wear a properly fitted N95 respirator. Cloth masks and surgical masks do not filter fine smoke particles as effectively.

Stay Active Indoors

Exercise is important, but outdoor workouts should wait until air quality improves. Choose indoor activities instead when air quality is unhealthy.

Consider Your Drinking Water

In some areas, wildfire can affect water quality. A reverse osmosis water filtration system may provide additional protection if local water supplies have been impacted.

Supporting Your Health During Smoke Season

Good nutrition and healthy habits can support your body’s natural recovery from environmental stress.

Focus on eating foods that help reduce inflammation, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds.

Foods rich in antioxidants also support overall health. Some people may benefit from antioxidant supplements, but these should only be taken after discussing them with a qualified healthcare provider.

Certain therapies, including nebulized glutathione, intravenous nutrient therapy, IV glutathione, or sauna therapy, may be appropriate in select situations. These treatments are not recommended for everyone, and research on their use specifically for wildfire smoke exposure is still evolving. They should only be considered under the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional.

Wildfire Smoke and Your Health: What you need to know to stay healthy