In this episode I go deep on the health effects of wildfire smoke, answering some key questions that are relevant to recreational athletes, outdoors professionals, wildland firefighters, and industrial athletes alike:
Why is wildfire smoke harmful?
Is there a safe level of exposure?
Can we trust the EPA's guideline levels? (Spoiler: no)
Does the benefit of exercise outweigh the damage of smoke exposure?
If you have to be outside, how can you limit harms?
And more. Get ready for a trip down nerd lane.
Links from the show:
Bad reporting from the NY Times
EPA Air Quality Index Infopage
Study: Effects of Air Pollution and Habitual Exercise
Respro Ultralight Particulate Mask
CDC Building Ventilation Info
PurpleAir Indoor Air Quality Monitor
AwAir Indoor Air Quality Monitor
As always, thanks for listening to Wilderness Medicine Updates, hosted by Patrick Fink MD.
Connect with us by email at wildernessmedicineupdates@gmail.com.
You can pay us a compliment and share the show with a new listener on any popular platform here.