As a result of wildfires in the Camp Robinson area of North Little Rock, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has issued a health advisory concerning smoke inhalation. Breathing smoke and the particulate matter it contains can cause difficulty for those with heart or lung disease. Even healthy people can have difficulty after breathing smoke from wildfires.
Dry conditions in the state are contributing to a high risk of wildfires and making containment difficult for firefighters. According to William Mason, MD, Branch Chief for Preparedness at ADH, children are especially vulnerable.
“We are asking people to be aware of the situation that exists near Camp Robinson right now and to avoid those areas or other areas that are downwind where smoke and particulate matter is carried,” Mason said.
Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
How to tell if smoke is affecting you
Smoke can cause—
• Coughing
• A scratchy throat
• Irritated sinuses
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• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Stinging eyes
• A runny nose
• Asthma severity increase
If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might make your symptoms worse.
People who have heart disease might experience—
• Chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the following ways:
• Inability to breathe normally
• Cough with or without mucus
• Chest discomfort
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms.
For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/facts.asp