“Devastating” health impacts from wildfire smoke and poor air quality

Smoke from the Garnet Fire and lightning-sparked wildfires is impacting air quality in Fresno County.

Smoke from the Garnet Fire and lightning-sparked wildfires is impacting air quality in Fresno County.

Smoke from the Garnet Fire and lightning-sparked wildfires is impacting air quality in Fresno County.

Smoke from the Garnet Fire and lightning-sparked wildfires is impacting air quality in Fresno County.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Typically on a clear day, Valley residents can enjoy a scenic view overlooking downtown Fresno, but with several wildfires burning in Fresno County coupled with the Valley’s poor air quality, all the public can see is haze.

Allergists say the wildfire smoke can be devastating on a person’s health, especially those with respiratory issues.

The best line of defense is what you can do at home to keep yourself protected from tracking in harmful particles from wildfire smoke and Valley air.

RELATED: Tracking every wildfire burning throughout Central California

Fresno Native Joan Minasian is a patient of Dr. A.M. Aminian at the Allergy Institute in Fresno. She is seen regularly for allergy and asthma treatment.

Recently, the retiree has experienced an onslaught of symptoms — brought on stronger by the wildfires burning across Fresno County.

“I’ve been coughing and sneezing, and having some wheezing,” said Minasian.

To combat her unrelenting symptoms, Minasian relies an arsenal of treatments.

“I do an inhaler, twice a day, and I do nasal spray once a day, and then I have a breakthrough nasal spray if it gets worse. And I also have allergy eyedrops,” said Minasian.

She also has an air purifier system inside her home.

“When the smoke comes here it compounds the problem for people with respiratory problems or any other chronic illnesses,” said Dr. Aminian.

Those illnesses include heart disease or diabetes. The most vulnerable groups are the elderly and small children.

“I have patients from two hours old to 102,” said Dr. Aminian.

Left untreated breathing irritation and congestion problems can develop into more serious issues.

“Such as COPD, Asthma, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Liver Disease,” listed Dr. Aminian.

On Wednesday, day 10 of the Garnet Fire, the worsening air quality across Central California coupled with the smoke from wildfires burning in the mountains surrounding the Valley clouded the skies over Fresno.

MAP: See where California wildfires are burning right now

The layers of pollution and particles visible in the lower lying air.

“Sometimes during part of the day you can taste the smoke,” said Dr. Aminian.

Allergists explained wildfire smoke can cling to your skin, your clothing, and even your hair.

To keep from tracking those particles into your home, Dr. Aminian advised changing your clothes immediately, showering and washing your hair.

Those taking their exercise outdoors can do more harm than good.

“Jogging outdoors at the peak of heat and air pollution. It damages their lungs; it damages other organs. It could have devastating results,” said Dr. Aminian.

Back inside the exam room, Minasian hopes each visit brings her closer to comfort.

“Manage my breathing and my allergies well, so that I can pretty much function. That’s basically what my goal is,” said Minasian.

On Wednesday, the Valley Air District issued an Air Quality Alert with the National Weather Service in Hanford. The alert advised communities to remain indoors to limit the exposure to particulate matter (PM) emissions. Until the wildfires are completed contained, the risk for increased ozone and PM2.5 remains high.

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