How Wildfire Smoke Affects Your Health and What You Can Do

Wildfire smoke has recently become a visible concern in places like Minnesota, where it creates a brownish haze over cities such as Minneapolis, obscuring the skyline. However, health experts warn that the more dangerous threat lies in the microscopic particles embedded within the smoke that are invisible to the naked eye. These particles are so tiny—less than 2.5 micrometers—that they can bypass the body's natural defenses in the lungs. Once inhaled, they can cause a range of health issues, not just breathing problems but also other systemic concerns if they enter the bloodstream.

Research indicates that these fine particles resemble tiny sandpapers in size, which irritates lung tissues and penetrates deeply into lung zones. Jessie Carr, an environmental epidemiology supervisor, explains that the smaller the particles, the deeper they go into the respiratory system, increasing the potential for harm.

In Minnesota, air quality alerts due to wildfire smoke have been issued 30 times this year, nearing the record levels in previous years. Such alerts serve as warnings for vulnerable populations, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, who are more prone to experiencing severe symptoms during smoke events.

Preliminary studies suggest a rise in emergency room visits during and immediately after smoke episodes. Data shows increases in visits for respiratory conditions, including bronchitis, asthma flare-ups, and even cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks. These health risks underscore the importance of taking preventive measures.

To reduce exposure, health officials recommend staying indoors in air-conditioned environments, using fitted N95 masks instead of regular surgical masks, and recirculating air conditioning in vehicles. However, solutions need to be tailored to individual circumstances; for example, in cooler areas like Grand Marais, where air conditioning is less common, residents still face exposure issues.

Individuals with pre-existing health issues should be especially cautious. If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath, it’s essential to seek shelter indoors and hydrate. Healthcare professionals advise minimizing indoor pollution from activities such as high-heat cooking or candle burning.

Pregnant women, children, and even healthy individuals should remain vigilant during wildfire events. Repeated exposure to wildfire smoke can cause chronic inflammation, potentially diminishing lung function over time. Although early research indicates no definitive long-term harm, some studies show that even asymptomatic individuals may experience subclinical changes in respiratory capacity.

Currently, Minneapolis ranks among cities with the poorest air quality globally, highlighting the urgent need for community-level strategies to mitigate health impacts. The organic compounds in smoke can also interact with sunlight to produce ground-level ozone, another harmful pollutant that exacerbates respiratory issues.

While the primary concern now is the direct inhalation of smoke particles, changing weather conditions and sunlight may alter the composition and impact of smoke exposure in the coming days. Ongoing research emphasizes the importance of protective measures and early intervention to minimize health risks associated with wildfire smoke.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-wildfire-health.html