Wildfire Smoke

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Wildfire Smoke A Guide for Public Health
Officials
July 2001
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Composition of Smoke
Carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide,
particulate matter, hydrocarbons and other
organics, nitrogen oxides and trace minerals.
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Health Effects of Smoke
Particulate Matter Carbon Monoxide Acrolein Formal
dehyde Benzene
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Sensitive Populations
Asthma and Respiratory Disease Cardiovascular
Disease The Elderly Children Smokers
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Judging Particulate Levels
Categories Visibility in miles Particulate levels ug/m3
Good 10 and up 0-40
Moderate 4 to 7 41-80
Unhealthy for sensitive groups 2 ½ to 3 81-175
Unhealthy 1 ¼ to 2 176-300
Very Unhealthy 1 301-500
Hazardous ¾ or less Over 500

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Recommendations
Categories Health Effect Cautionary Statement
Good None 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.
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Specific Strategies
Staying Indoors
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Specific Strategies
Staying Indoors Air Conditioners
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Specific Strategies
Staying Indoors Air Conditioners In Vehicles
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Specific Strategies
Staying Indoors Air Conditioners In Vehicles Air
Cleaners
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Specific Strategies
Staying Indoors Air Conditioners In Vehicles Air
Cleaners Reduce Activity
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Specific Strategies
Staying Indoors Air Conditioners In Vehicles Air
Cleaners Reduce Activity Reduce Other Sources of
Pollution
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Specific Strategies
Masks
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Specific Strategies
Masks Clean Air Sanctuaries
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Specific Strategies
Masks Clean Air Sanctuaries Closures
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Specific Strategies
Masks Clean Air Sanctuaries Closures Evacuation
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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