The world is heating up, which means that many places are experiencing record-breaking temperatures causing an intensity of wildfires. Since smoke is a pollutant, more and more air quality advisories are being put in motion to prevent prolonged exposure leading to health risks. However, is breathing wildfire smoke any different than inhaling smoke from combustible cigarettes? You will stop smoking now after reading this blog.
Understanding wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gasses and particles that are released when vegetation and other organic matter, such as trees, burn. It contains particulate matter—microscopic particles of solid or liquid matter suspended in the air—carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and other harmful substances that are dangerous for human consumption. The particles in the smoke can be small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs leading to respiratory issues and exacerbating any pre-existing condition like asthma and bronchitis.
Comparing the risk
While both breathing wildfire smoke and smoking combustible cigarettes expose the respiratory system to harmful substances, the extent of exposure and the compounds involved differ significantly. While wildfire smoke contains higher levels of particulate matter and can travel vast distances, affecting even those far from the fire’s source, cigarette smoke contains a vast amount of more toxic chemicals, including nicotine and tar, which are absent in wildfire smoke.
Short-term versus long-term exposure
Depending on where you live, wildfires are usually seasonal and only exist when the temperatures reach extreme levels with minimal rainfall. However, repeated exposure to wildfire smoke over wildfire seasons can have many health consequences—aggravated allergies, respiratory irritation, temporary reductions in lung function and in more extreme cases, the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease. In contrast, exposure to cigarette smoking repeatedly can lead to chronic conditions like lung cancer, heart disease, and other respiratory disorders.
Vulnerable population
Certain populations, such as the elderly, children, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of both wildfire smoke and combustible cigarette smoke. For these groups, even short-term exposure to smoke can lead to serious health complications.
While breaking wildfire smoke is not identical to smoking combustible cigarettes, it’s important to consider the risk involved with both kinds of exposure. Nonetheless, wildfires are a natural occurrence that’s beyond most people’s control, whereas smoking is something one chooses to do. You can quit smoking now and start safeguarding your respiratory health. E-cigs are fantastic quit smoking tools, as they allow ex-smokers to control their nicotine intake while quitting tobacco for good.
Is the wildfire smoke bad in your area and are there steps you take to try and combat the effects? Drop a comment below to share some insight.
