Hidden Hazards in the Haze: The Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke

by Brian Olson

November 2025

Wildfires hundreds of miles away have burned all summer. Even though they're far away, their smoke and ash have health impacts here in Adams County since smoke particles cause problems wherever they stick: eyes, nose, throat, and lungs – along with even the tiniest particles that get absorbed into the blood. Learning about these effects can help protect the local community.

Starting with itchy eyes, rinsing particles out with an eye-specific sterile saltwater solution can help. Over-the-counter artificial tears are also soothing. However, tap water should be avoided because it doesn't match the natural, salty tears produced by the body. If being outdoors on smoky days can't be avoided, wearing sunglasses and goggles can provide some protection. But when the whites of the eyes become red or vision gets blurry, it's time to see a healthcare provider.

As with eyes, there are remedies for stuffy noses and irritated throats, too. Stuffy nasal passages can also be rinsed with saltwater sprays. Drinking lots of fluids and gargling salt water can wash away particles causing a sore throat. If these solutions don't help, it's a good idea to see a doctor since leaving nasal and throat irritation untreated for too long can lead to problems like sinus and ear infections in the future.

Even more serious problems can happen in the lungs when smoke particles travel deep into the airways where they trigger inflammation and swelling that blocks air from going in and out. For Adams County residents already diagnosed with asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or emphysema, smoke particles may cause these conditions to flare so much their breathing becomes difficult. Even people with normal lungs can develop new lung problems after breathing in smoke for a while. Anyone who notices breathing issues that they haven't experienced before should see a doctor.

Now, about those smoke particles that are able to enter the bloodstream: entering through the lungs, research has shown that these tiny particles damage blood vessel walls and increase the chances of heart attack, stroke, and other serious problems, even in healthy people. For those who already have heart or blood vessel-related medical conditions, this impact can cause new or worsening symptoms that also need a healthcare provider's attention.

If staying inside on smoky days isn't possible, masks such as an N95 mask are a good idea. These can often be found in a pharmacy or hardware store. Sometimes on an especially smoky day, despite keeping windows and doors tightly shut, smoke might still seep in. Experts suggest that air duct system filters might be the cause, and if they're dirty, they might need to be changed. They also recommend checking the heating/ventilation/air-conditioning (HVAC) system and consider turning off the "fresh air" option if smoke continues to get inside the house.

The tiny particles of smoke blanketing the landscape – even when they are almost invisible – have health effects that are hard to miss. Being aware of what these particles can do and when to see a healthcare provider can help keep family, friends, and the community healthier.

About the Author

Brian Olson is a third-year medical student at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences. He was selected as a Hettinger participant for the school's ROME program, or Rural Opportunities in Medical Education. Part of the ROME program teaches student doctors how rural newspapers can be partners for sharing health information. The information presented here is not intended for diagnosis or treatment and should not be used in place of previous medical advice provided by a licensed provider.