As the Greater Akron area experiences hazy smoke due to Canadian wildfires, the American Heart Association warns that the smoke exposure could post an increased risk for heart disease.
Wildfire smoke contains pollutants, including microscopic particles linked to cardiovascular risk, Dr. Meera Kondapaneni, board president of the American Heart Association’s Greater Cleveland division, said in a news release.
Smoke exposure leads to increased risk for sudden cardiac arrest
Several research studies have found smoke exposure to lead to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest and a higher number of visits to emergency rooms for other cardiovascular disease-related causes.
Those who have underlying cardiovascular disease risk may be at risk for an acute cardiovascular event when exposed to wildfire smoke, the release said.
Kondapaneni, who is also an interventional cardiologist with MetroHealth, said in the release that signs of a heart attack or stroke can include:
What is the air quality in Akron?
As of mid-afternoon on Thursday, July 16, Akron’s air quality is was 242, which is in the “very unhealthy” zone, according to AirNow.
Here’s a breakdown of the air quality index scale:
Wearing a mask can help protect your lungs
Wildfire smoke comes with PM2.5, tiny pollutant particles that can be inhaled and enter the bloodstream, carrying toxic chemicals with it.
Wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator that fits against your face and has no gaps can serve as protection, according to The Weather Channel.
It warns against relying on surgical masks, cloth masks, dust masks, bandanas or wet towels or cloths, as they do not offer the same protection.
Discount Drug Mart is seeing face mask sales 10 times higher July 16 than they were on the same day last year, according to a news release.
The heaviest sales are at its northern Ohio locations.
How to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke
Kondapaneni said these tips can help reduce exposure to wildfire smoke:
Using portable air cleaners have been shown to reduce indoor particulate matter by as much as 50% to 60%, Kondapaneni said in the release.
When will the smoke leave Ohio?
The smoke is expected to stay through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What to know about Akron air quality, how long will wildfire smoke last
Reporting by Lauren Cohen, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lauren Cohen, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
