Major Wildfires Cause Health Concerns For Water & Air

The Washington State Department of Health is alerting that Wildfires now cover about 273,000 acres of land in Washington, and state health officials warn of potential health risks from heavy smoke and compromised water systems.

Several areas affected by the wildfires are experiencing electrical outages that may cause water systems to lose pressure and may allow harmful contaminants into water lines. Residents who have lost water pressure should boil their tap water when service is restored.

In order to kill germs, water should be heated to a brisk boil for one minute and allowed to cool before use. The boil-water advisory remains in effect until tests show the water is again safe to drink. People uncertain as to whether their water is safe to drink should contact their water system.

It’s also important that people in wildfire areas pay close attention to current air quality information, which can be found on the Department of Ecology’s website. Breathing smoke from wildfires can make anyone cough or wheeze, and people who have asthma or another lung disease may experience more severe symptoms.

As pollutant particles build up in the respiratory system, they can cause several health problems including burning eyes, runny noses, and illnesses such as bronchitis.

The particles can also aggravate heart conditions and lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and asthma. Children and older adults are also at higher risk for health effects from air pollution. Pregnant women and people with diabetes should also limit their exposure to smoke.

The Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov) is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.