Fletcher, NC (Wlos) – Forest fire smoke causes a misty sky in the west of North Carolina, which caused air quality alerts for several counties.
Due to the major changes in air quality, some counties are experiencing red air quality conditions of the code, defined as an unhealthy air for anyone who can breathe. This raises concerns to health officials.
Freedom Farm Fire in Leicester 100% content after burning 130 acres
“In particular pulmonary problems, things like asthma, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a certain heart disease (which) will potentially put you in danger,” said Dr. Damon Forbes, pulmonologist at the Mission Hospital. “Our air quality will certainly get worse today. We can start to see more frequent meetings of patients in the coming days.”
Exacerbation of conditions such as asthma, MPOC, heart disease and diabetes can occur. Some at risk can also undergo an increased risk of hospitalization.
The firefighters gain ground on fires of the Black Cove complex with increased confinement efforts
Forest fire smoke can also trigger asthma attacks, causing breathing difficulties, a cough, a whistling breathing and an increased need for medication.
Nancy Chapin suffers from asthma and she says that too much exercise is not good for her health.
“It’s not good to walk there because I can’t breathe well,” she said. “I walked yesterday afternoon, and we got it, and I walked in my neighborhood. The only thing I really felt was that I was hurting the throat and a little breathtaking, but it was not really bad, but I don’t push it.”