STATE OF WILDFIRES ACROSS THE COUNTRY FROM YOUR LOCAL EDPIDEMIOLOGIST WITH INDOOR SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

Posted on June 7, 2023 by John Bailey

Well, it’s wildfire season…

bY KATELYN JETELINA (Reprinted with Permission)

JUN 7, 2023

Climate change has made wildfires more frequent and intense. We certainly don’t need to inform people in Canada and the Northeast, as they can just look outside and see dangerous levels of smoke.

Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles <2.5 microns in diameter (PM_2.5) that can enter the lungs and irritate our respiratory linings.

A limited number of epidemiological studies have evaluated the cumulative effects of breathing in wildfire smoke, but most studies have been among firefighters.

One scientific review found exposure to wildfire smoke over multiple days has an impact on lung function and heart problems. However, it’s unclear if and how these results translate to the general population.

Regardless, more caution is warranted the longer you’re exposed to smoke and the more dense the smoke. Symptoms can range from mild (e.g., eye irritation) to serious health impacts (e.g., exacerbation of asthma). Particularly high-risk groups include the following:

Older adults
Pregnant people
Children
People with preexisting respiratory and heart conditions

There is a lot you can do

CDC suggests multiple ways for reducing your exposure. These include:

Stay indoors, if possible.
Keep your indoor air as clean as possible. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed.
Use an air filter. Use a freestanding indoor air filter with particle removal.
Do not add to indoor pollution. Do not use candles, fireplaces, or smoke tobacco. Do not vacuum because it stirs up particles inside your home.
Wear an N95 outside. Recent research found that N95s reduced hospitalizations from wildfire smoke by 30%. In other words, it offers some protection, at least in the short term while running to the grocery store, for example. Cloth, paper masks, and tissues will not filter out the smoke.

Photos: New York City is engulfed in smoke from Canada's wildfires | CNN

Bottom line

Stay safe out there!

Love, YLE

“Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE)” is written by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, MPH PhD—an epidemiologist, data scientist, wife. During the day she works at a nonpartisan health policy think tank and is a senior scientific consultant to a number of organizations, including the CDC. At night she writes this newsletter. Her main goal is to “translate” the ever-evolving public health science so that people will be well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. This newsletter is free thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support this effort, subscribe below:

COUNTY CANCELS ALL COUNTY-SPONSORED OUTDOOR EVENTS TODAY IN LIGHT OF WILD FIRE POLLUTION. URGES OTHER TOWNS TO DO SAME

Posted on June 7, 2023 by John Bailey

In light of the ongoing Canadian wildfires and the subsequent impact on air quality, Westchester County has taken proactive steps to prioritize the health and safety of its residents and employees. The County has announced precautionary measures to mitigate potential risks associated with the poor air quality caused by the fires.

Effective immediately, Westchester County has made the following decisions for today, June 7:

Cancellation of County-Sponsored Outdoor Events: In order to safeguard the well-being of the community, all outdoor events sponsored by Westchester County will be canceled for today, June 7.
Recommendation for Other Organizations: Westchester County strongly advises other organizations within its jurisdiction to consider canceling their outdoor activities as well.
Recommendation for County Employees: The County administration recommends all County employees who are required to work outdoors to wear masks as an added precautionary measure. While not mandatory, the County administration strongly encourages the use of masks as an additional layer of protection against the compromised air quality caused by the wildfires.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. To remain updated on the air quality index, monitor the DEC website for air quality index updates.

Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive. Residents should keep all windows closed if possible.

Additional information is available on DEC and on DOH websites.

COUNTY HEALTH ADVISORY: AVOID STRENUOUS ACTIVITY SMOKEY HAZE A HEALTH HAZARD

Posted on June 7, 2023 by John Bailey

Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, recommends all residents limit any strenuous outdoor activity and the very young, those with respiratory conditions or heart disease reduce their time outdoors due to the fine particulate matter in the air from Canadian wildfires in Quebec that is causing a haze across our region.

Amler said: “Infants and people with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions should limit their time outdoors while this haze of fine particulate matter is present in our area. With the air quality index at an unhealthy level today, all residents should limit strenuous outdoor activity. This may be a good day to skip that outdoor run.”

Additional information is available on DEC and on DOH websites.

HOW TO SAVE A LIFE

Posted on June 7, 2023 by John Bailey

How to save a life

Brush up on the basics on your next coffee break

CAITLIN RIVERS

JUN 7, 2023

Last Friday, my daughter and I celebrated the start of summer by beginning the weekend a bit early and heading for a swim. It was a boiling hot day and the pool was packed.

Within twenty minutes of our arrival, something startling happened.

I heard a long whistle blow and everyone in the pool froze.

Right away, a manager came sprinting across the pool deck. When I looked where he was headed, I saw a soaking wet lifeguard standing at the edge. Her hat was floating in the water and some piece of equipment, maybe a radio, was at the bottom of the pool. She had clearly jumped in to pull someone out, just days into the pool season.

Still, the moment reminded me of how unexpectedly we can find ourselves in an emergency.

Can you spot a swimmer in trouble? If someone collapsed or was bleeding heavily, would you know what to do?

Today, I’m including a series of videos that I first shared in January, following the shocking collapse of Damar Hamlin on the football field. I specifically chose these videos because they are only 2-5 minutes long, so you can get through the entire set on your coffee break. There are plenty of high-quality, longer tutorials on YouTube if you want a deeper dive. Either way, I hope you’ll find some time to review these important lessons.

(Also note that CPR and choking procedures are different for infants, so if you have babies in your life, please look up specific instructions for them!)

These videos are best as a refresher. If first aid skills are new to you, I recommend taking an in-person course. Most community centers offer classes for free or at a low cost. Don’t skimp on these valuable skills—they could make all the difference.

Recognizing drowning

CPR for adults and children + using an AED

Stop the bleed

Choking rescue

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