MOHAVE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH 318 N

Mohave County
Department of PUBLIC HEALTH
700 W. Beale Street, Kingman AZ

Cautionary Measures due to Wildfire Smoke

October 29, 2003 (Mohave County, Kingman) -- The Mohave County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is issuing information on the health effects of smoke from the wildfires in southern California. Not everyone who is exposed to thick smoke will have health problems. Level, extent and duration of exposure, age, individual susceptibility and other factors play a significant role in determining whether or not someone will experience smoke-related health problems. The most common examples of health problems includes: itchy eyes, cough, runny nose and upper airway irritation and are typical symptoms of short-term exposure to smoke. Other potential health effects include headache, dizziness and nausea to more serious disorders, including asthma, bronchitis, and reduced lung function. Those who may experience complications include:

§ individuals with asthma and other respiratory diseases – levels of pollutants which may not interfere with normal breathing affect people with asthma causing greater inflammation or constriction of airways

§ individuals with cardiovascular disease

§ the elderly – the elderly seem to be more affected than other age groups because we lose important respiratory defense mechanisms as we age

§ children – even those without any preexisting conditions are considered a sensitive population because their lungs are still developing, making them more susceptible to environmental threats than healthy adults.

§ smokers – people who smoke have already compromised their lung function and exposure to high levels of particulate can exacerbate their condition.

The Mohave County Department of Public Health does not have particulate monitors to determine how thick the smoke is and therefore, we do not know the exact particulate concentrations at this time. However, ADEQ will be deploying continuous particulate monitors to the communities of Kingman and Lake Havasu by this evening to increase their ability to monitor air quality in those locations. However, smoke levels can be judged based upon visibility.

Good smoke levels
Visibility 10 miles and up. There are no health effects or cautionary measures recommended.

Moderate smoke levels
Visibility of 6 to 9 miles. There is the possibility of aggravation of heart or respiratory disease. People with heart or lung disease are cautioned to pay attention to their symptoms and seek medical attention as necessary.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups smoke levels
Visibility of 3 to 5 miles. There is an increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms and aggravation of lung disease such as asthma. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion and stay indoors when possible.

Unhealthy smoke levels
Visibility of 1.5 to 2.5 miles. There is increased respiratory symptoms and aggravation of lung and heart diseases; possible respiratory effects to general population. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should avoid prolonged exertion and stay indoors when possible; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion.

Reduction of physical activity reduces the dose of inhaled air pollutants, and may reduce the risk of health impacts during a smoke event. During exercise, people may increase their air intake as much as ten times their resting level. While exercising, people tend to breathe through their mouths, bypassing the natural filtering ability of the nasal passages. They also tend to breathe more deeply, causing particulates to lodge deeper into the lungs.

For more information, please visit www.HealthELinks.com or call our toll free number, 1-866-409-4099

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