Residual smoke from this past weekend’s fireworks and several wildfires could cause breathing problems for some.
Valleywise Health’s Vice President Jo-el Detzel says the particles released by fireworks, in particular, can bypass the body’s defenses and travel to the lungs.
"The ones we worry most about are young children — they’re still developing their airways — older adults, pregnant women, anybody with asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, heart disease," Detzel said.
Detzel said you can minimize the effects by staying inside, using a HEPA air filter or wearing an N-95 facemask. And for those who might be traveling to a smoky area, Detzell recommends carrying a rescue inhaler.
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