So, the wildfires in Canada are causing some serious smoke and air quality alerts on Long Island. It's no joke, and we need to take some steps to deal with it. Luckily, we've got some experts giving us ten awesome tips to help us handle the poor air quality and stay healthy. Let's check them out!
Chill Indoors: When the air quality is bad, try to limit your time outside. Especially if you've got any respiratory issues or are just more sensitive to air pollution. We spoke with Sameer Khanijo, MD, a pulmonologist and director of respiratory therapy at North Shore University Hospital. He gave us some great advice on dealing with the air quality. If you do need to head out, Dr. Khanijo suggests limiting your time outside.
Make Your Place Smoke-Free: Lock up your windows and doors to keep that smoky air outside. Create a clean indoor environment by using air purifiers with HEPA filters. These babies can really improve the air quality in your home. According to Dr. Khanijo, as much as possible, just limit what’s outside from getting inside.
Hydration isn’t going to help, but it’s still a good idea: Dr. Khanijo says that although hydration will have no real impact on mitigating this specific issue, it’s always a good idea.
“From a medical standpoint it’s always good to stay hydrated,” he said. “But unless we can get all that water to where the fires are it’s not going to make a huge difference.”
So stay hydrated anyway. Ditch the alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and sugary stuff and focus on water and other hydrating fluids.
Get Yourself an N95 Mask: You might have few of these lying around. Not like we didn’t JUST need them for another emergency health situation. Just make sure it fits snugly for maximum effectiveness. Dr. Khanijo says that your typical masks aren’t going to do the trick.
“A normal cloth mask is not effective to limit these types of particles, which are 2.5 micrometers and less,” Dr. Khanijo said. He says a FFP2 or N95 mask will help.
Take it Easy: Don't go all out with intense physical activities when the air quality is bad. Those activities make you breathe in more air, and that means more pollutants entering your body. Stick to light exercises or find indoor activities instead.
“Today is not the day to go biking, swimming in the pool, running or out at barbecues,” Dr. Khanijo said. “It’s not recommended.”
Keep it Clean: Clean up your living spaces regularly. Dust and pollutants can build up and make the air quality even worse. Use microfiber cloths or electrostatic dusters to trap those particles effectively.
Talk to the Doc: What symptoms should I anticipate? Dr. Khanijo says he’s been getting this question from patients.
“People are saying that the air looks worse today and that they can smell the smoke in the air,” he said.
He expects runny noses and rhinitis. As you inhale more of the particulates there might be more asthma-like symptoms especially if you've got any respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. It might be a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. They can give you personalized advice and make sure you have the right medications to handle the situation.
Create a Safe Haven: Choose a room in your home to be your clean air sanctuary. Seal up any gaps or cracks in the windows and doors, and add weatherstripping if needed. If you want to go the extra mile, get a portable air purifier for that room too.
Help Others: Look out for your neighbors, especially the elderly or those with health issues. Make sure they're aware of the situation and offer support if they need it.
Stay in the Loop: Keep yourself informed about the air quality alerts. Follow local sources like the National Weather Service, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and your local health department to get the right info and guidance.
While the Canadian wildfires continue to impact our air quality, let's put these expert tips into action. They'll help us stay safe and keep our well-being intact in the face of smoke and poor air quality.
Note: This article provides general advice for dealing with smoke and air quality alerts. For specific concerns or medical conditions, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.