Wildfire Smoke A Guide for Public Health Officials July 2001

Composition of Smoke Carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, hydrocarbons and other organics, nitrogen oxides and trace minerals.

Health Effects of Smoke Particulate Matter Carbon Monoxide Acrolein Formaldehyde Benzene

Sensitive Populations Asthma and Respiratory Disease Cardiovascular Disease The Elderly Children Smokers

Judging Particulate Levels CategoriesVisibility in miles Particulate levels ug/m 3 Good10 and up0-40 Moderate4 to Unhealthy for sensitive groups 2 ½ to Unhealthy1 ¼ to Very Unhealthy Hazardous¾ or lessOver 500

Recommendations CategoriesHealth EffectCautionary Statement Good None Moderate Possibility of aggravation of heart or respiratory disease. People with heart and lung disease should pay attention to symptoms. Unhealthy for sensitive groups Increasing likelihood of repiratory symptoms and aggravation of lung disease, such as asthma. People with heart or lung disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion and stay indoors when possible. Unhealthy Increased respiratory symptoms and aggravation of heart and lung diseases; possible respiratory effects to general population. People with heart or lung disease, the elderly and children should avoid prolonged exertion and stay indoors when possible. Everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. Very Unhealthy Significant increase in respiratory symptoms and aggravation of existing lung and heart disease; increasing likelihood of respiratory effects of in general population. People with heart or lung disease, the elderly and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid any outdoor exertion. Hazardous Serious aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality. Serious risk of respiratory effects in general population. Everyone should avoid any outdoor and indoor exertion; everyone should remain indoors whenever possible.

Specific Strategies Staying Indoors

Specific Strategies Staying Indoors Air Conditioners

Specific Strategies Staying Indoors Air Conditioners In Vehicles

Specific Strategies Staying Indoors Air Conditioners In Vehicles Air Cleaners

Specific Strategies Staying Indoors Air Conditioners In Vehicles Air Cleaners Reduce Activity

Specific Strategies Staying Indoors Air Conditioners In Vehicles Air Cleaners Reduce Activity Reduce Other Sources of Pollution

Specific Strategies Masks

Specific Strategies Masks Clean Air Sanctuaries

Specific Strategies Masks Clean Air Sanctuaries Closures

Specific Strategies Masks Clean Air Sanctuaries Closures Evacuation

Resources Montana Department of Environmental Quality EPA/University of Washington Fire, Smoke and Health Website National Fire Weather National Weather Service National Wildland Fire Information Forest Service Wildland Fire Morning Report Current Map of Large Fires Satellite Images of Fires