Dr. Nicole Gansemer, ND — Dr. Gansemer’s expertise focuses on chronic infectious diseases, digestive issues, infertility and more.

Wildfires have officially settled in around the Pacific Northwest bringing copious amounts of smoke along with them. Wildfire smoke is a huge stressor on our bodies. It is up to 10 times more harmful to humans than any other types of pollution and accounts for a 10% increase in hospitalizations. 1 Research has indicated that, in 2018, smoke from human-ignited fires was responsible for premature deaths in 20,000 Americans. 2 Wildfire smoke contains a wide variety of harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, solvents, pesticides and herbicides, asbestos, plastics, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and toxic gases such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone and carbon monoxide, amongst others. 3

Out of all the constituents of wildfire smoke, PM2.5 particles tend to be the most concerning. These fine particles are 2.5 microns or less in width which is about 3% of the diameter of human hair. Because of their microscopic size, PM2.5 particles can be incredibly damaging to human health. These particles not only get lodged deep within the lungs causing oxidative damage, but they can also enter the blood stream and cause widespread inflammation and tissue damage.

Inhalation of wildfire smoke not only has minor acute health effects such as eye, throat, and lung irritation, sneezing, sinus congestion, headaches, and fatigue, it can also lead to more severe reactions like exacerbations of asthma and COPD as well as heart attacks and strokes. 4 Prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can also lead to long-term health effects such as an increased risk of cancer, infertility, immune system dysregulation, developmental delays in children, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory disease. 5

So, what can you do to mitigate the effects of wildfire smoke?

  • Minimize or avoid time outdoors when the AQI is high. Generally, I recommend healthy people minimize time outdoors when the AQI is > 150. Higher-risk populations should stay indoors as much as possible if the AQI is >100. Higher-risk populations include individuals >65, children, pregnant individuals, those with underlying lung or cardiovascular disease, or any one seriously ill.
  • Keep doors and windows closed.
  • Avoid exercising outdoors.
  • If you do need to venture outdoors, wear a snug-fitting N95 mask or a respirator with 3M 60926 filters.
  • Take a shower and rinse sinuses with a neti-pot after any prolonged outdoor exposure.
  • Minimize or avoid using gas stoves, wood-burning fireplaces, candles, aerosolized products, and vacuums which can decrease indoor air quality.
  • Use high-quality HEPA air filters in the home such as Air Doctor, Austin Air, IQ Air, or Molekule.
  • If you have central air, run on recirculate with a new MERV13 furnace filter.
  • Eat a clean, wholefoods, organic diet high in healthy fats and colorful fruits and vegetables.
  • Increase hydration.
  • Sweat daily. This can be through vigorous indoor exercise, hot Epsom salt baths, or sauna.

How your provider at Hawthorn Healing Arts Center help?

  • We can provide recommendations for high-quality herbs and supplements tailored to your unique medical history and current needs. Herbs and targeted nutraceuticals can support detoxification, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, soothe irritated mucous membranes, improve lung function, increase tissue oxygenation, modulate the immune system, and support nervous system.
  • Neural therapy can be a powerful tool to help improve detoxification, improve lung capacity, and regulate the nervous system.
  • Provide a prescription for nebulized glutathione to support lung function.
  • Craniosacral for improved lymphatic flow and nervous system support.
  • IV therapy to improve hydration, energy levels, antioxidant capacity, and detoxification.
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may be beneficial for those with a high exposure level to wildfire smoke to support detoxification, increase cellular oxygenation throughout the body, and repair damaged tissue.

It seems like wildfires are part of the new normal here in the PNW. Taking steps to minimize exposure and be proactive in protecting your body from unavoidable exposure is key to preventing long-term health effects. Stay safe out there and enjoy the rest of your summer!

Dr. Gansemer is available for consultation by calling 541-330-0334, email info@hawthorncenter.com or use our online request form.

References:
1. Aguilera, R., Corringham, T., Gershunov, A. et al. Wildfire smoke impacts respiratory health more than fine particles from other sources: observational evidence from Southern California. Nat Commun 12, 1493 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21708-0
2. Carter TS, Heald CL, Selin NE. Large mitigation potential of smoke PM2.5 in the US from human-ignited fires. Environmental Research Letters. 2023;18(1):014002. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/aca91f
3. Kampa M, Castanas E. Human health effects of air pollution. Environ Pollut. 2008;151(2):362-367. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2007.06.012
4. Wei Y, Wang Y, Di Q, et al. Short term exposure to fine particulate matter and hospital admission risks and costs in the Medicare population: time stratified, case crossover study. BMJ. 2019;367:l6258. Published 2019 Nov 27. doi:10.1136/bmj.l6258