Is exposure to smoke from fires harmful to health?
Yes. Exposure to and inhalation of smoke from forest fires can cause respiratory, cardiac, neurological and ophthalmological changes. These changes can occur due to heat (burns) or irritation/toxicity caused by the chemical components of smoke.
What are the components of wildfire smoke?
When wood and other organic materials are burned in a forest fire, they produce smoke that is suspended in the air. This smoke contains gases and particles, some of them microscopic in size, and are a mixture of several components, namely:
- Carbon dioxide
- Water vapour
- Carbon Monoxide
- mixture of solid particles, some microscopic in size, and liquid droplets
- hydrocarbons and other organic chemicals
- Nitrogen oxides
- formaldehyde
What are the possible complications of smoke exposure?
The components of smoke from a forest fire can be harmful to health and cause some complications, such as:
- irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
- increased secretions/sputum
- persistent cough
- inflammation and narrowing of the airways (oedema)
- respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis
- worsening of heart and respiratory diseases
- changes in state of consciousness (weakness, drowsiness, fainting)
Smoke inhalation can destroy cells in the airways and, in extreme cases, can affect oxygen levels in the blood and cause respiratory failure.
What are the risk groups for developing complications from smoke inhalation?
There are groups with a higher risk of developing complications from smoke inhalation, namely:
- Elderly
- children
- Pregnant
- people with a history of cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
However, even healthy people may experience symptoms and need treatment, as the risk from smoke inhalation varies depending on:
- the level and duration of exposure
- the age of the person
- Individual susceptibility
How can I prevent exposure to wildfire smoke?
It is important to be prepared for a fire situation. If you live in a high fire risk area, or are part of the risk groups, you should:
- Have some products in stock, to avoid unnecessary outings:
- food that does not require refrigeration
- Usual medication
- N95 protective masks
- ensure good insulation of doors and windows for access to the outside
- If you have air conditioning, ensure a cool environment, preferably with air recirculation mode
- Define an evacuation plan in case of a worsening situation and share it with the people you live with
- Be aware of the media and stay informed of local news
- use the SNS 24 (808242424) for more information, the CIAV (800250250) for clarification in case of poisoning and/or the INEM (112) for emergency cases
What are the recommendations to avoid exposure to smoke from fires?
To avoid exposure to smoke from fires, it is recommended:
- Stay indoors, with windows and doors closed, in a cool environment. If possible, switch on the air conditioner with air recirculation mode
- Avoid the use of sources of combustion indoors, such as gas or wood appliances, tobacco, candles and incense
- Avoid Outdoor Activities
- wear a mask (N95) whenever you cannot avoid exposure to smoke
- Maintain your usual medication, especially if you have diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Follow the doctor's instructions if you have worsening complaints
- Stay hydrated and cool
- Call us at:
What should I do to help someone with smoke inhalation?
To help someone in a smoke inhalation situation, you should:
- Remove the person from the premises and prevent them from breathing smoke or being exposed to heat
- Search for Warning Signs:
- facial burns
- difficulty breathing
- Alteration of state of consciousness
- Call us at:
Does drinking milk minimize the risks of smoke inhalation?
The usefulness of milk in smoke inhalation is not described in scientific articles or studies. Milk does not prevent or combat the toxic action (antidote) of carbon monoxide and does not reduce the risks of inhalation.
Source: National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM)