An air quality alert is currently in place throughout most of Northeast Ohio, including Medina County, due to wildfire smoke from Canada. The air quality in our area has been listed as very unhealthy and could become hazardous according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow.gov website. It is recommended that everyone keep outdoor activities light and short, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. People with heart or lung disease should avoid outdoor physical activities.

Breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects, including:

  • Coughing
  • Trouble breathing normally
  • Stinging eyes
  • Scratchy throat
  • Runny nose
  • Irritated sinuses
  • Wheezing and shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Headaches
  • Asthma trigger
  • Tiredness
  • Fast heartbeat

Older adults, those that are pregnant, children, and people with preexisting respiratory and heart conditions may be more likely to get sick if they breathe in wildfire smoke. Use these tips to protect yourself from breathing wildfire smoke:

  1. Limit outdoor activity, especially exercise.
  2. As it is recommended, stay indoors and keep your indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is very hot outside. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you don’t have air conditioning, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning, like a library, mall, or public community space.
  3. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If your eyes, nose or throat are irritated, running a humidifier may provide some relief.
  4. Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease or cardiovascular disease. Call your doctor immediately if your symptoms worsen.
  5. Those with asthma are encouraged to carefully follow your asthma action plan, if you have one. Make sure you have enough medication for several days.

Follow our Facebook or Twitter social media pages for updates related to air quality and other public health issues. For more information on health impacts from wildfire smoke, visit the CDC’s Wildfire Smoke webpage.