CDC warns of smoke inhalation

Wildfires can affect the health of anyone exposed to the smoke and ash flung into the air by the flames.

This photo shows smoke hovering over the Oakwood East neighborhood in Midwest City.

The CDC gives these warning signs that you’ve been exposed to too much smoke:

• Coughing
• Scratchy throat
• Irritated sinuses
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Stinging eyes
• Runny nose
• Asthma exacerbations

These conditions will be magnified especially for people with lung or heart disease, according to the CDC.

Health officials advise people to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed. Avoid vaccuuming, burning candles and smoking to keep the indoor air as clean as possible.

Dust maks readily avaialble at hardware stores usually don’t protect against smoke and dust particles. Specialty masks, known as “N95″ masks, offer some help.

- Carrie Coppernoll

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