Most people on the Gulf Coast don’t think that they need to be prepared for wildfires. With the increasing wildfires, it seems almost daily that the threat of smoke coming our way is in weather forecasts. These forecasts are not just from the Mid-west/west coast part of the US but also from Texas. In 2024 the largest fire in Texas history occurred, burning over 1 million acres, destroying homes, livestock and crops.
Wildfire smoke can set off reactive airway disease such as asthma, can cause permanent inflammation and damage to lungs and can cause death. Individuals at greater risk of the health effects of smoke include those with cardiovascular/respiratory diseases, the elderly, children under 18 years, pregnant women, outdoor workers and those of lower socio-economic status. In fires twice as many die from smoke inhalation than from burns.
Smoke is a mixture of gas pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hazardous air pollutants such as aromatic hydrocarbons, water vapor and particle pollution. Particle pollution is one of the main components of wildfire smoke and the principal public health threat. Particles come in many sizes and shapes. Some are so small that they are only visible with an electron microscope. Particles can be made of many different ingredients: acids, inorganic compounds, organic chemicals, soot, metals, soil, dust, pollen and mold spores.
The air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors, always contains particle pollution. Because of their small size, particles can penetrate homes and buildings. During a wildfire or other fire related activities, the concentration of particles can increase in the air to be so dense that they can be seen. Ultrafine particles are the main pollutants (90%) from wildfire smoke and are the greatest health concern. They can pass through the nose and throat and enter the lung causing serious health effects to the lung and heart.
Similar to hurricanes having a plan reduces stress. Listen to authorities and evacuate when recommended. Have disaster supplies with you including immunization records and medications. For both hurricanes and fire preparing for evacuation before the event is recommended. If you feel trapped, call 911.
If wildfire smoke is affecting your area it is recommended that you should stay indoors, close all windows and other openings. Have air-conditioners re-circulating. Use high efficiency air filters (HEPA). Never use a filter that generates ozone. Avoid activities that can worsen the indoor air such as cooking on a stove or vacuuming. In a car keep windows closed and re-circulate air. A closed house without air-conditioning can get too hot.
Face masks for children are not reliable because of poor fittings and the inability to tolerate tight masks.
If you are returning to a burned area or home, do not use leaf blowers or vacuums to clean up ash. Adults should use protective gear such as gloves and masks. Indoors, ash and dust, should be removed with a wet cloth or microfiber cloth. Children exposed to ash should be thoroughly washed. Exposed clothing should be washed. Ash is dangerous.
by Sally Robinson, MD Clinical Professor
Keeping Kids Healthy
Published 06/05/25
Also See:
UTMB Pediatrics - Pediatric Primary Care
UTMB After Hours Urgent Care