DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) \u2014 Smoke from Canadian wildfires is creating hazy skies across central Pennsylvania, but doctors said the biggest health concerns come from particles too small to see.<\/p>\n
Those particles, known as PM2.5, are small enough to travel deep into the lungs. Research<\/a> <\/a>has linked short-term exposure to wildfire smoke with increased respiratory and cardiovascular health problems.<\/p>\n Dr. Raymond Singer,<\/a> a cardiothoracic surgeon, says these particles are much smaller than most people realize.<\/p>\n “They stand for particle matter that are 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair,” Singer said. “To give you an idea of how small they are, they literally can get absorbed into your bloodstream.”<\/p>\n Singer said that once those particles enter the body, they can trigger inflammation beyond the lungs.<\/p>\n “PM 2.5 can increase inflammation throughout the body,” Singer said. “It can raise your blood pressure. It can increase the risk of a heart attack. It can increase the risk of a stroke. It can also trigger irregular heart rhythms.”<\/p>\n For people with existing heart or lung conditions, the risk can be even greater.<\/p>\n Who should be most concerned?<\/p>\n Singer said certain groups should take extra precautions when air quality is poor, including:<\/p>\n Adults over 65Young childrenPregnant womenPeople with asthma or COPDPeople with heart diseasePeople with diabetesAnyone recovering from a major illness or surgery<\/p>\n Even people who consider themselves healthy can still experience effects from wildfire smoke.<\/p>\n “Most healthy adults will experience only temporary irritation, like burning the eyes, sore throat or coughing, but even healthy people who get repeat exposure to these PM2.5 can have a deleterious effect over time,” Singer said.<\/p>\n How to protect yourself<\/p>\n Singer said the first step is staying informed by checking the Air Quality Index <\/a>before spending time outside.<\/p>\n When air quality is unhealthy, Singer recommends avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, keeping windows closed and using air conditioning on the recirculate setting when possible.<\/p>\n