Health experts have issued urgent warnings to people living in areas affected by wildfire smoke as dozens of firefighters continue to battle blazes on moors near Greater Manchester. Much of the region and beyond has been affected by wildfire smoke today (July 14) as firefighters tackle two ongoing wildfires near Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham, and Tintwistle Moor near Glossop.
Air Quality Deteriorates Across Region
Data from IQ Air showed that Stockport's air quality is currently the worst in the region, with a reading of 'unhealthy'. Dozens of M.E.N readers reported waking up in the night to the strong smell of smoke, which has continued in the region today and spread as far as Liverpool and North Wales.
Young children, elderly people and those with underlying respiratory conditions are advised to limit exposure to the smoke as much as possible - but even healthy adults have also been cautioned against exercising outside.
Expert Medical Advice
Matt Swallow, a GP specialising in respiratory medicine who is the clinical lead at the Asthma and Lung charity, told the M.E.N that it was 'sensible' to avoid exercising outdoors in these conditions. "Wildfire smoke has lots of fine particles in it, which can travel deeper into the lungs and cause irritation and inflammation," he said. "When exercising, you are breathing in even more. If there is visible smoke and a strong smell, moving exercise indoors is the safer option, or avoiding it altogether."
Matt explained that wildfire smoke is a 'trigger for exacerbations'. "For healthy adults, it will just cause short-term effects, but those who are really young or old, or who have asthma or COPD, are at greater risk," he said. "My advice is to continue taking prescribed medication. Bring it with you at all times, and reduce outdoor exposure. You might need your medication more frequently than you usually would - if you notice that it is no longer having the same effect, seek medical advice."
Those living in the immediate vicinity of the fire have been strongly advised by the fire service to keep their doors and windows shut, but Matt added that even those living further afield should take these precautions. "If you can see it, or smell it, you are breathing it in," he said. "People within a couple of miles will have the highest exposure, but these particles can travel hundreds of miles."
Vulnerable Groups at Higher Risk
Children are also more vulnerable, he said. "They breathe faster and their airways are more sensitive. If you can see it and smell it and air quality rates are poor, kids should be kept inside." He advised people concerned to check their local air quality rates. "You can't just judge it by distance," he said. "If smoke levels are elevated, try and avoid it as much as possible, and stay inside."
Fatemah Moheimani, a senior lecturer and respiratory researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University, also strongly advised people with respiratory conditions to carefully monitor their symptoms. "Exposure to smoke may make their symptoms worse," she said. "They should keep inhalers and medication on their person and make sure to monitor their symptoms. If their breathing begins to be affected, they should contact a health professional."
She added that wildfire smoke can cause issues for even healthy adults. "It may not have a serious effect, but short-form exposure may still cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing and shortness of breath," she said. "When we breathe in smoky or polluted air, small particles can go inside the lung. Generally your body can defend against this in the short term and recover. But if you can smell it, then it can have an effect and you should be mindful."
She agreed that it was best to avoid exercising outside. "I would advise people to reduce vigorous exercise, as when you exercise you need more air in the lungs," she said. "Children are more likely to be affected as they are more active and their lungs are still developing. Parents should be mindful and monitor their symptoms. Elderly people need to be more careful as they are more vulnerable. Contact your doctor if the usual relief does not work or if your symptoms worsen - do not wait."
Local Authority Advice and Firefighting Efforts
Stockport Council has issued similar advice to local residents. Writing on their Facebook page, they advised people with visible smoke in their areas to stay indoors 'where possible' and 'keep doors and windows closed'. "Once the smoke has moved away, you can open windows to cool your home, but continue to monitor conditions as smoke may return. Remember that wildfire smoke contains very small particles and gases that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Most healthy people will experience only temporary symptoms, but smoke can have a greater impact on babies and young children, older people, those who are pregnant, and those with existing heart or lung conditions such as asthma, COPD or heart disease."
Around 70 firefighters are tackling the Dovestone fire, which began on Saturday night after locals alleged that youths were setting off fireworks in the area. It is believed to have formed part of a tribute to Karl Holland, 18, who died after getting into difficulty at the reservoir. Shania Care-Slede, 20, of Market Street, Hyde, appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court today charged with arson while being reckless as to whether life was endangered. She will be remanded in custody until her next court appearance at Minshull Street Crown Court on August 18.
