FridayOL

With New Zealand battling ongoing wildfires, respiratory expert Dr. Shawn Aaron is issuing a stark warning: wildfire smoke poses a serious and immediate threat to the health of Kiwis, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The smoke, laden with fine particulate matter, can travel long distances, impacting air quality even far from the fire fronts.

What's in Wildfire Smoke and Why is it Harmful?

Unlike regular air pollution, wildfire smoke is a complex cocktail of pollutants. It includes:

• Particulate Matter (PM2.5): These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and exacerbating existing health problems.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colourless, odourless gas that reduces oxygen delivery to the body’s organs.
• Nitrogen Oxides & Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These irritate the lungs and can contribute to respiratory distress.

Who's Most at Risk?

While everyone can be affected by wildfire smoke, certain groups are particularly vulnerable:

• People with Asthma and COPD: Smoke can trigger asthma attacks and worsen COPD symptoms, leading to increased coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
• Individuals with Heart Conditions: Smoke exposure can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Children and Elderly: Their respiratory systems are less robust, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of smoke.
• Pregnant Women: Exposure can negatively impact both the mother and the developing fetus.

Dr. Aaron's Top Tips for Staying Safe During Poor Air Quality:

1. Monitor Air Quality Reports: Regularly check the Air Quality Index (AQI) on the NIWA website or through the MetService app.
2. Stay Indoors: If the AQI is high, remain indoors as much as possible. Close windows and doors, and use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
3. Avoid Strenuous Activity: Physical exertion increases your breathing rate, drawing more pollutants into your lungs.
4. Wear a Mask (N95 or P2): If you must go outside, a properly fitted N95 or P2 mask can filter out a significant portion of particulate matter. Surgical masks offer limited protection.
5. Medication Management: People with respiratory conditions should ensure they have adequate supplies of their medications and follow their doctor's instructions.
6. Be Aware of Symptoms: Seek medical attention if you experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness.

Long-Term Concerns

While short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause immediate health problems, long-term exposure is also a concern. Studies suggest a link between prolonged smoke exposure and an increased risk of chronic respiratory diseases and even certain cancers.

“The current situation highlights the importance of being prepared for increasingly frequent and intense wildfires due to climate change,” Dr. Aaron concludes. “Protecting your respiratory health is crucial, and taking these simple precautions can make a significant difference.”