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by Andrea Muraskin
I hate to say it, but summer just isn’t as fun as it used to be. Step outside and you might inhale toxic smoke from wildfires. And with hotter temps, it’s easier to get dehydrated or sick with heat exhaustion. But please don’t shut yourself away all season! Instead, take a look at these resources to help you calibrate your own risk. We’ve got updated advice on how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, and how to stay safe when the heat is oppressive.
Also this week, our pharmaceuticals correspondent checks up on TrumpRx, the government website that promises to offer Americans relief from high prescription drug prices.
Wednesday felt eerie on Massachusetts’ North Shore, where I live now. The sky darkened and took on a sickly orange cast. The low midday light made it feel kind of like a storm was coming, but there was almost no wind, and no rain in the forecast.
Unfortunately, the wild fire smoke that blew in from Canada creating those conditions brings more than weird vibes. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing health problems like asthma, inflammation, and even heart attacks. And wildfire smoke is a particularly virulent type of air pollution – up to ten times more harmful to humans than car exhaust, according to a study by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
With warmer summers, wildfires and smokey conditions are becoming increasingly common. NPR’s Life Kit has advice for deciding whether and how much time to spend outdoors, plus how to minimize indoor exposure and self-care for smoke-filled days.
😶🌫️ Get to know the AQI
The Air Quality Index or AQI is the Environmental Protection Agency’s index for reporting air quality. the higher the AQI value in your area, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concerns. You can find the forecast for your area at airnow.gov. Here’s what to make of the figures:
AQI of 50 or below: Acceptable for pretty much everyone
50-100: May be a risk to people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution, such as those with respiratory illnesses
100- 150: If you have respiratory or other medical issues, start taking precautions like avoiding the outdoors or wearing an N95 mask when outside.
151-200: Stay indoors if you can. If you do go outside, wear an N95 mask and abstain from exercise. People with respiratory illnesses may experience trouble breathing or other issues.
🪟 Keep indoor air cleaner
Close all windows and doors and if there are cracks, use a damp towel to cover them to limit the air from outside. If you have central air conditioning, running it should help since air is filtered through the system. However window units, which are often designed to pull in air from the outside – might actually make your air quality worse.
Air purifiers and filters are your best bet for improving indoor air quality. You can save some money making a surprisingly effective DIY box fan air filter for wildfire smoke. If you’re driving, hit the recirculate button so your car isn’t pulling in air from the outside.
💧Take care of you
Moisturize: A hydrating moisturizer can help keep smoke particles out of your pores and reduce skin irritation.
Mask the smoke smell: Try dabbing some essential oil under your nose or wearing scented chapstick
Try to stay calm: Smoke days might feel like the end of the world, but they’re not. Blue skies will return.
