Wildfire smoke and ozone alerts: What Colorado families need to know
As wildfire season continues across Colorado, smoky skies have become an unfortunate part of summer. This year, many communities are also experiencing Ozone Action Days, creating a "double whammy" that can have an even greater impact on children's health.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can travel deep into the lungs, while ground-level ozone is a gas that forms during hot, sunny days when pollutants react in the atmosphere. Together, these pollutants can irritate the airways, making it harder for children to breathe and increasing the risk of respiratory problems. They can also aggravate airways that are already inflamed by exposure to airborne allergens, further increasing the risk of symptoms in susceptible children.
Infants and children are especially vulnerable because their lungs are still developing, they breathe faster than adults, and they spend more time being active outdoors. Children with asthma, allergies, or other chronic lung conditions are at even greater risk.
“Wildfire smoke and elevated ozone levels can both inflame a child's airways. When they occur together, we often see a greater impact on children with asthma and other chronic lung conditions,” says Dr. Pamela Zeitlin, pediatric pulmonologist at National Jewish Health. “Wildfire smoke and ozone can also worsen airways that are already irritated by seasonal airborne allergens. Families should pay close attention to daily air quality forecasts and take steps to reduce outdoor exposure before symptoms begin.”
What symptoms should parents watch for?
Even healthy children can experience symptoms during poor air quality days, including:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Burning or watery eyes
- Sore throat
- Headaches or unusual fatigue
Infants may become fussier than usual, breathe faster, have difficulty feeding, or seem less active.
How to protect your family
When wildfire smoke or ozone levels are elevated:
- Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) daily using AirNow.gov or your local weather forecast.
- Keep children indoors when possible, especially during unhealthy air quality days.
- Close windows and doors and run your air conditioning if available.
- Use a portable HEPA air purifier, particularly in bedrooms and play areas.
- Delay outdoor sports, exercise, and strenuous play until air quality improves.
- Children with asthma should continue taking prescribed medications and keep a rescue inhaler readily available.
When should you seek emergency care?
If your child is struggling to breathe, breathing rapidly, wheezing, or their asthma symptoms are not improving with prescribed medication, seek emergency care promptly.
“Parents know their children best,” says Dr. Karen Woolf, medical director of emergency services at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's. “If your child is having difficulty breathing, seems unusually tired, or isn't responding to their asthma medication, don't wait. It's always appropriate to seek emergency care if you're concerned about your child's breathing.”
While we can't control wildfire smoke or ozone levels, we can take steps to reduce children's exposure and keep them healthy. Wildfire smoke and elevated ozone levels can also aggravate airways already inflamed by exposure to airborne allergens, making it especially important to stay informed about daily air quality conditions. By limiting outdoor activities during unhealthy air quality days, families can help protect their children's developing lungs throughout Colorado's wildfire season.
For appointments for your child to be evaluated for breathing problems related to wildfire smoke or high ozone days, call National Jewish Health Scheduling at (303) 398-1355, select option 4, and ask for pediatric pulmonology or allergy/immunology.
Call for free advice when you’re unsure
Not sure if you should head to an ER, Freestanding ER or urgent care? Call the HCA HealthONE Consult-a-Nurse for free advice on 844.70.NURSE. Whether you’re worried about your child’s fever or caring for an aging parent, their nurses can help you make the right decision.
Find a convenient ER or urgent care location near you
HCA HealthONE offers 13 ERs and freestanding ERs across the Rocky Mountain region. There are also CareNow® Urgent Care clinics for less serious needs. No matter the situation, you’ll have access to trusted care close to home.