November 10, 2021
air quality index, Asthma, COPD, Dr. Marc Goldstein, fire, particulates, The Asthma Center

Yesterday afternoon the news of a large 2 alarm fire in Southwest Philadelphia hit headlines across the region.  While it is still not clear exactly what started the blaze, officials say that it stemmed from several small debris fires at a junkyard.  As seen in the photo above, winds have carried smoke and fumes all the way to Southern New Jersey.

Due to the contents and size of this fire, it is very important for those in the Philadelphia and New Jersey area with heart and lung problems to minimize outdoor exposure until the air quality improves.  This is an instance when wearing a mask when outside is especially important, whether around other people or not.  Not only are masks effective protection against the spread of COVID-19, they also filter out harmful materials caused by fire.  Acute particulates found in smoke can affect symptoms in patients with conditions such as Asthma and COPD.  As shown in the graphs from Purple Air below, the fire caused a spike in particulates in the air from Philadelphia to Camden.

Certainly, maintain medications as directed, use rescue inhalers as needed, and feel free to contact The Asthma Center with questions or concerns.