SPOKANE, Wash. — Wildfire smoke has forced many Spokane residents to alter their summer routines, keeping people indoors on and off throughout the season. But the health consequences of prolonged exposure extend far beyond temporary inconvenience.
Doctors warn that extended periods of breathing wildfire smoke can trigger serious and lasting health conditions. While research on the long-term effects of wildfire smoke exposure remains limited, existing studies show clear connections between smoke inhalation and the development of allergies and respiratory diseases.
“We know that wood smoke is associated with chronic lung disease. It causes inflammation in the airways and lungs. It can lead to things like airway damage, we call that a disease called COPD,” said Dr. Ben Arthurs, a pulmonologist at MultiCare.
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, represents one of the most serious potential outcomes of repeated wildfire smoke exposure. The condition makes breathing progressively more difficult and can significantly impact quality of life.
The air quality index in Spokane has remained in the unhealthy range for several days over the past couple of weeks, though conditions improved somewhat recently. This volatility has prompted residents to develop new habits around outdoor activities.
At Riverfront Park, residents said they now check the air quality before venturing outside. Jackson Donaghy, a Spokane native, said he monitors air quality carefully.
“Especially where I live, we get a lot of fires, so it’s always good to make sure you have good air quality. I’m not going to lie, I do test it sometimes, but I always look with caution,” Donaghy said.
Some have made more dramatic changes to their work lives. Matt Legard, who delivers sandwiches on his bike, worries about the effect the smoke will have on his long-term health. “Every year it gets a little worse. So unfortunately you have to be out in it. You can’t just shut your life down. So it’s a little bit of a concern for sure,” Legard said.
Health officials say people should pay attention if they notice their bodies reacting differently to wildfire smoke than in previous years. Such changes warrant a conversation with a doctor, as they may indicate the development of smoke-related health conditions.
“If you have to be outside, I would pay attention to see if you’re developing any symptoms that suggest that you’re sensitive or irritated by the smoke. You should try to consider spending time indoors, potentially wearing one of the N-95 respirators,” Dr. Arthurs said.
For those who must work outdoors during periods of poor air quality, Dr. Arthurs recommends wearing an N95 respirator mask when possible. The masks filter out fine particulate matter in smoke and can significantly reduce inhalation of harmful particles.
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