HOUSTON, Texas – As fire crews battle wildfires throughout Montgomery and San Jacinto Counties Friday afternoon, KRPC 2 is looking at how the smoke from the fires could impact human health.
The Pauline Road Fire, which has burned nearly 2,400 acres, was reportedly contained Friday morning. Texas officials sent a notice out to residents that evacuation orders had been lifted and they were able to return to their homes.
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Pauline Road Fire contained but still smoldering in San Jacinto, Montgomery counties
As of Friday morning, the fire was 45% contained. Fire officials said a shift in weather, increasing humidity, and decreasing winds, helped firefighters improve containment lines and make further progress in suppressing the flames.
However, residents in the area should expect to see some smoke and smoldering over the next few days.
With this in mind, we wanted to make sure residents were aware of the health side effects wildfire smoke could have on your body.
Pauline Road Fire: Evacuation orders lifted in Montgomery, San Jacinto counties
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, wildfire smoke is a complex mixture that consists of other pollutants that have also been shown to lead to a variety of health effects. The health effects of particle pollution exposure can range from relatively minor (e.g., eye and respiratory tract irritation) to more serious health effects (e.g., exacerbation of asthma and heart failure, and premature death).
They attributed to following effects to wildfire smoke exposure:
Short-term exposure (over a few days)
Irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract
Respiratory symptoms
- Coughing
- Phlegm
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
Respiratory effects
- Bronchitis
- Reduced lung function
- Increased risk of asthma exacerbation and aggravation of other lung diseases
- Increased risk of emergency room visits and hospital admissions
Cardiovascular effects
- Heart failure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Increased risk of emergency room visits and hospital admissions
Increased risk of premature death
Cumulative short-term exposures (i.e., over multiple days up to a few weeks)
Reduction in lung function
FEMA approves grant to assist in Pauline Road fire in San Jacinto, Montgomery Counties
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defined wildfire smoke as a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and plants, buildings, and other materials.
They said breathing in the smoke can affect you immediately, causing:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Asthma attacks
- Stinging eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Irritated sinuses
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Chest pain