Smoke pollution can also cause or worsen serious illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and pneumonia. Exposure to small particulates is associated with a significant rise in the number of premature deaths from respiratory and heart disease. It's also linked with more emergency room visits, hospitalization, and time off work and school. Long-term exposure in pregnant women can cause premature births and low birth weights.
Senior citizens, infants, and people who already have lung, heart and other illnesses (such as diabetes) are the most vulnerable. However, healthy adults and children can be affected, too.
The BC Lung Association study of air quality found that even low amounts of small smoke particulates in the air can harm our health. In fact, the study pointed out that a safe level has not been found. As the pollution increases, so do the health problems.
You can access the government's up to the minute smoke pollution information via their website, AirNOW. Just put in your zip code...
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SMOKE POLLUTION IN YOUR AREA RIGHT NOW.
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&zipcode=95949&submit=Go