A couple weeks ago, Canadian wildfires made headlines across Michigan for the way that they were affecting air quality.
It might seem obvious to some of us that breathing in a bunch of smoke particles is not great for the lungs.
But what’s not obvious is the new concerns of lead and arsenic particles being found in the smoke — exposing vulnerable people (like children) to unhealthy amounts of heavy metals.
Wildfire smoke is dangerous to begin with, even without a heavy metal concern. The EPA divides air quality into six categories in the Air Quality Index (AQI), from green (little to no risk of air pollutants) to maroon (an emergency: everyone is likely to suffer adverse health effects).
Why are kids considered more at risk? Even kids without respiratory problems are still at risk as kids breathe more quickly than adults, which makes them at risk for inhaling more pollutants. Their newer respiratory systems and bodies are still developing, as are their immune systems.
For kids, you can start monitoring around a yellow AQI of 50+ if your kiddo is especially sensitive to air pollution, has respiratory problems or is quite young (when the respiratory system is still developing) and consider limiting outdoor playtime.
An orange AQI of 101+ is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. This is anyone sensitive to pollution, with asthma or other respiratory problems, with cardiac problems, younger kids, older adults, etc.
Limit outdoor time, and if you do go outside, try to pick times that are lower in air pollution, or make outdoor activities less strenuous.
A red AQI of 151+ is unhealthy, period. Adults in good health might not feel adverse side effects. But people who are considered vulnerable are much more likely to feel adverse health effects such as coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches and nausea.
There are two more AQI colors (purple and maroon) beyond red, but it’s recommended that all kids avoid the outdoors once the red AQI is hit.
How can you check the AQI? You can easily google it for your area (e.g. “Ann Arbor AQI today”), and it’s also featured on most weather apps.
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But what’s the deal with lead and arsenic in the air now? That sounds bad, right?
You’re not wrong.
If wildfires are burning in areas with heavy-metal-contaminated soil, or burning buildings that have heavy metals in them, this releases the heavy metals into the air along with the typical smoke pollutants.
Some of the wildfires in Canada have included old industrial zones and peatlands. A study shows that up to 840,000 pounds of arsenic were released into the atmosphere by fires near gold mining operations in Canada’s Yellowknife over an eighty year period.
This is not a problem unique to Canada, unfortunately.
A 2018 California study into the dangerous Camp Fire showed that concerning levels of lead and zinc were found, up to 50 times the average for air contamination, and this smoke traveled more than 150 miles away.
Heavy metals can cause a new host of dangerous health problems in all people, especially in children. Lead has been shown to cause a host of serious neurological symptoms and behavioral problems, as well as causing GI and respiratory distress, affecting sleep and causing joint pain.
We’ve published an entire series on the lead poisoning of a family in our community (mine!) — how the lead has permanently impacted their health; how it is still a very real danger to children in Washtenaw county, even if they’re not in an old home; and how parents can keep their kiddos safe.
The EPA is responsible for national air quality standards for six common pollutants, which include lead. There are 188 other hazardous air pollutants that are additionally monitored on the EPA’s Air Toxics Screening Assessment.
Unfortunately, the danger from wildfire smoke is only expected to increase as climate change worsens.
How can you keep your kids safe?
- If you have a concern about the air quality for your child, keep them inside.
- If your child is older than 2, they can wear an N95 or KN95 mask outdoors, which can help filter out pollutant particles.
- If you are able to access a HEPA filter, that can help ensure the air inside your home is healthy. Keeping windows closed during this time will also help.
- If outside time is unavoidable, reduce the time you’re outside and the intensity of the activity.
- Don’t pollute the inside air by lighting candles or incense. Keep the air as clean as possible.
- If you have central AC, use a high-efficiency filter.
