What is in that smoke we are breathing, is it toxic? Here are Five symptoms, and how to wear a respirator..

The Carr Fire near Redding California, 4 days ago.

The Northern California wildfires are within 150 miles of our house, not really close but we have the smoke. The air is noticeably smoky, it looks a lot like the summer fog the San Francisco Bay area is known for. Breathing is labored for everyone I have talked with, it is much harder for those with respiratory issues. We have a prevailing wind from the Northwest, it is called the "Delta Breeze". It carries the wind from the North through the central valley all the way down to Tejon pass, the "Grapevine" 300 miles south of us. It is efficient at spreading the smoke throughout the entire state North of that main highway pass. On the other side is Los Angelos, the "Holy" fire is on a rampage there, spewing smoke over Southern California.

The "Holy Fire" near Los Angelos, California, 1 day ago.

Visibility is less than 5 miles here, the Diablo Range of Mountains 15 miles distance cannot be seen. It is so common now the smell of smoke is not evident, I fear we have been conditioned to it. I worry more about what is in the smoke.

What is in the smoke that we are breathing while the monsters up North rage? Waking up every morning I am thankful I no longer work out of doors, this smoke is taxing on every breathing creature in the Western States. Woodsmoke carries a number of hazardous materials along with it on its journey to be dispersed in every direction as it winds through the Mountains, Valleys, and Cities.

Carbon Monoxide is especially toxic to the firefighters and first responders working close to the fires extinguishing them. The residents evacuating the area are affected by the CO2 for a much shorter length of time. It's in the fumes of any combustible fuel, gasoline, coal, and wood fire to name a few, indoors it can build up and poison us. The risk of CO2 poisoning from smoke originating many miles away would be a very remote possibility, close to zero.

PM 10, Particulate Matter smaller than 10 microns is a toxic waste due to its structure. The minute particles are shaped like a spear point with barbs, lodging in the lungs they can not back out of the respiratory system. 2.5 micron and smaller particulates are inhaled as well, entering the deepest parts of the lungs they do not penetrate as far as PM 10 but cause lasting health problems. Coughing, sneezing, and gagging all done to no avail, dust masks are not effective, the best protection is a "full face" respirator. Particles larger than 10 microns cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. PM 10 is small enough to pass through the exterior walls of a house.

(Follow this Link for further advice on protecting yourself from wildfire smoke.)

After breathing the smoke for several weeks, how can we tell if the wildfire smoke is affecting us?

Wildfire smoke even at a distance is able to cause these symptoms:

* Watery or Dry eyes, very common many people I have spoken with are experiencing burning, itching, and watery eyes.

* Wheezing, excessive mucus, irritated sinuses, sore throat, and stuffed up head are all common complaints among the people affected by the smoke.

* Headaches.

* Asthma attacks, shortness of breath, and sore lungs making breathing difficult.

* Chest pain, fatigue, and fluttering heart are all not good signs, call your advice nurse or go to a hospital with prolonged symptoms.

Those with a Heart condition, lung disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are more likely to have severe reactions to the wildfire smoke. As stated above if the symptoms are pronounced and you have a health issue such as one of these, consult medical care immediately.

When suffering from watering, burning, and itchy eyes use over the counter eye drops, and increase your water intake. I have found my normal 3 quarts a day is not enough to keep me hydrated, drinking enough is harder than it sounds. Don't wait until you are thirsty drink water all day long.  A humidifier in the home may help, it will add moisture to the air making breathing easier. Wearing a full face respirator is an inconvenience but it will keep us from not breathing the nastiness and will protect our eyes. A 1/2 face respirator and goggles are just as effective. The N95 filters out about 90% of the particles from the air, but they do nothing for the gaseous fumes. N95 paper masks must be worn properly or their effectiveness suffers. They must fit snugly around the sides, they as most other respirators are even more challenging to fit properly when attempting to fit over a beard. The best advice is to purchase a respirator with the proper filters and learn how to wear it. Breathing is more difficult with a respirator or dust mask, wearing one may increase breathing and heart rates. Those with chronic respiratory and heart conditions are best advised to consult with your doctor on his/her recommendations.

How to fit an N95 filter mask, it must be worn correctly.

Can I use a bandana or wet towel across my nose and mouth effectively? It will filter out the large particles but not the small PM 2.5 and below, we aren't better without it, but the effectiveness is questionable.

Close up the house, windows, doors, and vents, then stay indoors especially if you are in an at-risk group with chronic health issues. Do not get overheated, run the air conditioner it will filter out some of the bad stuff. Leaving the area may be the best choice of all, getting out of the smoke may prove difficult however when the entire west is covered with the pall.

I have been staying indoors for the past few days, with the air conditioning on once in a while, it is not really hot here most days. My daughter in Fresno has a severe respiratory infection from the Yosemite fire that is burning near her. The medical clinics are full of people suffering from breathing problems. I see a few people jogging in the mornings next to the river, the temperature is cool, and the wind is low but the smoke still hangs over us all. I am curious if they experience any respiratory problems when the run is over, I'm sure I would run in this gloom.

The Yosemite Fire yesterday.

The firefighters have it much worse than we do, and I am sure we all realize that, but we still have to take care of ourselves. The most help I can offer is a monetary donation, that doesn't help with their physical challenges, but it may buy them a meal or a place to rest. Driving down the I-5 corridor or down Highway 99 caravans of forestry department, local fire departments, and even out of state firefighters can be seen rushing from one end of the state to the other. It is one of those jobs that appear cushy during the rainy season, there are no fires, however, it is sheer hell during our expanding fire season. They have earned my respect.

Thank you for reading and sharing, purchase a respirator, get the highest quality you can afford, don't ever skimp on the purchase of safety equipment. Thanks again.

jacquesandkate  emergiencykitsplus.com