Wildfire smoke and your health

  • Published
  • By compiled staff reports
  • 354th Medical Group Bioenvironmental Engineering flight
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  As the fire season progresses in Alaska, more and more people are becoming concerned about the health hazards associated with forest fire smoke.

Smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles that are produced when wood and other organic matter burns. Some of these particles are considered irritants and are therefore hazardous to the health of Iceman Team members.

Short-term exposure to forest fire smoke is not a major health risk for healthy people. The biggest health threat from smoke is from the fine particles-- less than 25 micrometers or 0.001 inches in length. These microscopic particles are responsible for eye irritation, runny nose and sore throat. The main concern is that these same small particles can aggravate pre-existing conditions such as chronic heart and lung disease, asthma, chronic bronchitis.

The Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight monitors the particle count and the visibility levels on an hourly basis starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. to ascertain the current base advisory level and also reviews the current Fairbanks advisory level, available at http://www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/airquality/.

The advisory levels are forwarded to the command post three times a day on smoky days; one at 8 a.m., the next one at noon, and the last one for the day at 4 p.m. However, if there is a significant change between two consecutive hours or after duty hours, a change will be made to the advisory and the notification process will start again.

Eielson has implemented the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's Air Quality Program in order to be consistent between the warnings given to the general population in Fairbanks and the warnings given on base. 

Air quality levels are determined by either measuring the particles in the air or by estimating their levels based on current visibility. There are five levels: Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, and Hazardous.

At "moderate" levels annual fitness testing is done at commander's discretion. Once the level reaches "unhealthy for sensitive groups" annual fitness testing and school-age activities should be cancelled. If the base reaches an "unhealthy" or "hazardous" level, non-mission essential tasks, intramurals and other outdoor activities will be curtailed or cancelled. 

When advisories are in the "unhealthy" and "hazardous" categories, anyone having respiratory symptoms can proceed to the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Respite Center. It is located in the McGowan room on the first floor of the hospital and is run by both FMH and the Red Cross. Icemen are also able to go to the emergency room at Bassett Army Community Hospital. 

One question people ask on a continuous basis is "can I wear a respirator for the smoke?". Even though a high efficiency particulate air respirator can eliminate the hazard associated with small particulates, it comes at a cost.

The wearer is going to experience a significant decrease in their ability to inhale. If a person is having an asthma attack, this small decrease in air entering the lungs can be the difference between life and death. The disposable particulate masks that can be bought in Fairbanks can and will irritate the skin of the wearer after a long period of use and limits the efficiency of work.

So, what do forest firefighters use? They do not use anything because any mask or respirator will hinder their functionality. If the smoke gets too bad, they use wet bandanas to cover their face mainly for the cooling effect rather than the particulate removal.

Icemen can protect their health and the health of loved ones from the effects of smoke by paying attention to the local air quality reports and staying alert for any additional information given.

Pay attention to the advisories and try to remain indoors with the windows closed. Do not vacuum floors, fry food, burn candles, start a fire in a fireplace or smoke cigarettes during higher levels because they generate more hazardous smoke. If the temperature is so high that closing windows seems impossible, seek refuge in an air conditioned building such as shopping locations in Fairbanks.

Another way people can protect themselves is by using common sense. If it looks smoky outside, it smells like smoke, and visibility is poor, then it is not a good time to go run, play football or mow the lawn. This is especially important with young children as they are more susceptible than adults to the hazards associated with smoke.

Lastly, be prepared. If it's smoky outside and a child or other dependent has heart or lung disease or asthma, call the clinic and ask for refills for their medications immediately. Do not wait until the last minute to get an inhaler or other medication because it may be too late.

Furthermore, if a family member fits into the above medical category, a request from a medical provider stating the need for an air conditioner in base housing must be approved by the 354th Mission Support Group commander prior to purchasing or running an air conditioner unit in base housing.

Anyone who has questions about air quality, or wants more information about wild land fires in Alaska, can call 377-6687.