Kaitlyn D’Onofrio

DocwireNews

With wildfires blazing across the nation, the American Lung Association (ALA) released words of caution and tips for residents to minimize their risk of lung disease.&nbsp;The most vulnerable populations include children and teens, seniors, pregnant women, and people who already live with lung disease.&nbsp;&ldquo;Everyone, especially residents living with chronic lung disease like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and those with chronic heart disease, should take extra precautions during this time,&rdquo; the ALA said in a press release.&nbsp;&ldquo;Those who work outdoors; are under age 18 or over age 65; or have asthma, COPD or other lung diseases, chronic heart disease or diabetes, should monitor their breathing and exposure to smoke.&rdquo;&nbsp;<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Approximately 81 large wildfires are currently burning on about 2.2 million acres of private, state, tribal, and federal land. 18,500 interagency fire personnel, including about 400 crews, 800+ engines, 130 helicopters and 24 Airtankers are deployed to fight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wildfires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wildfires</a>. <a href="https://t.co/6VT2wE5jx2">pic.twitter.com/6VT2wE5jx2</a>
&mdash; USDA Forest Service (@forestservice) <a href="https://twitter.com/forestservice/status/1035183193505361920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2018</a>
</blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Healthy individuals should err on the side of caution as well.&nbsp;&ldquo;The sheer scope of the wildfire has created conditions that put even healthy individuals without lung disease at risk,&rdquo;&nbsp;ALA&nbsp;Chief Mission Officer Deb Brown&nbsp;said.&nbsp;<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Airquality?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Airquality</a> is unhealthy in parts of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Idaho?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Idaho</a> today &ndash; Paper dust masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will NOT protect your lungs from the small particles found in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wildfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wildfire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smoke?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smoke</a> <a href="https://t.co/gGkAcsdVfG">https://t.co/gGkAcsdVfG</a> <a href="https://t.co/iID6D4Qpat">pic.twitter.com/iID6D4Qpat</a>
&mdash; DHW (@IDHW) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDHW/status/1031904030287527940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a>
</blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>The risk remains even&nbsp;after the fire has been extinguished. Ash can be inhaled&nbsp;if it&rsquo;s spread through soot or it comes from cleanup following a fire.&nbsp;<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wildfires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wildfires</a> present dangers to our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lunghealth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lunghealth</a> &ndash; learn how to protect your lungs! <a href="https://t.co/KR1TXVBmug">https://t.co/KR1TXVBmug</a> <a href="https://t.co/QeSznx7Xga">pic.twitter.com/QeSznx7Xga</a>
&mdash; American Lung Association (@LungAssociation) <a href="https://twitter.com/LungAssociation/status/1031681287864631296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2018</a>
</blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>The ALA provided&nbsp;the following guidelines to stay safe amid wildfire smoke:&nbsp;<ul>
<li>Speak with healthcare providers before and after wildfires as physicians may have recommendations for medications to cope with the conditions or lessen any symptoms.</li>
<li>Wear an N-95 mask, protective clothing, gloves and goggles to reduce your exposure to ash during your clean up.</li>
<li>Scientific research shows that using a high efficiency particulate air purifier to clean the air in your home can help protect your health during a wildfire.</li>
<li>Consider using an air purifier that has a HEPA filter to capture harmful particles in your home and circulate air around the whole room to help clear the air in your home from smoke.</li>
<li>When driving through smoky areas, set your air conditioner to recirculate to avoid exposure to the outside air and keep your car windows and vents closed.</li>
<li>Know when to seek medical attention. If your asthma is triggered or you are having difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider.</li>
</ul>Source: <a href="http://www.lung.org/about-us/media/press-releases/wildfires-on-the-rise.html">ALA</a>&nbsp;

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With wildfires blazing across the nation, the American Lung Association (ALA) released words of caution and tips for residents to minimize their risk of lung disease.  ...

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