Get Your Mask: South Jersey Doctors Say Don't Underestimate Canadian Wildfire Haze

The effects of wildfires in Canada continued to blow over into South Jersey on Friday, prompting local lung doctors to reinforce safety protocols during these hazy conditions.

The Environmental Protection Agency measured air quality at levels above 150 throughout the last 48 hours, which falls under their "Unhealthy" distinction.

While the winds are estimated to shift from Friday into Saturday and bring this alert to only affect sensitive groups, local health professionals are keeping their feet on the gas.

"Forest fires of this magnitude is a new phenomenon for people living in metropolitan regions in the northeast," said Dr. Zachariah Dorey-Stein, pulmonologist with Jefferson Health, "...In light of this, I think we have a tendency to underestimate the short as well as long term health risk of exposure to wildfire smoke particulate matter."

These microscopic fragments are called PM2.5 and can get deep into the lungs to cause serious damage to a person's respiratory system, especially younger and older individuals.

Dorey-Stein points out that along with the sheer magnitude of the flames, it's these particles that differ from the likes of a small building fire in a nearby neighborhood to create a different outcome.

These "byproducts of combustion and vapors" are very small and are "rapidly and systematically absorbed through the lungs, resulting in individuals becoming symptomatic faster."

This typically results in an onset within three days of exposure and being evaluated in a medical setting.

Symptoms that should concern someone in a poor air quality setting include persistent coughing for 20 minutes after being exposed, new shortness of breath, or new wheezing, added Dr. Patrick Mulhall, a pulmonologist and medical director for advanced lung disease with Virtua Health.

An increase in both mucus production and sinus congestion can also come to fruition.

"One major misconception is that patients without respiratory issues cannot be affected. This is untrue," Mulhall said. "Although longer exposure can increase the chances of a reaction, people can also have a respiratory reaction with only minimal exposure."

The mask you choose also matters.

Mulhall recommends a well-fitted N95 mask, as others do not adequate prevent inhalation of particles.

"Stay hydrated, as this allows the protective mucus membranes of the lungs to trap harmful particulate," added Mulhall. "Close windows and doors, and run your A/C on recirculate. If you have lung disease, take all maintenance medications as prescribed, and do not leave your house without your rescue inhaler."

MORE FROM PATCH: NJ Wildfire Smoke Equals Up To 9 Cigarettes A Day, Expert Says

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