Health Tip: Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke Exposure

(HealthDay News) -- When a wildfire burns nearby, gases and fine particles fill the air. This pollution can irritate your eyes and lungs, and worsen chronic diseases such as asthma.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions for dealing with smoke from a nearby wildfire:

• Monitor local air quality reports.

• Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.

• Don't worsen indoor air quality by burning candles, smoking, or using fireplaces or gas stoves.

• Talk to your doctor about what you can do to protect yourself from breathing problems.

• Don't trust paper masks commonly sold at hardware stores to protect you from fine debris and gases in the air. These masks are made for bigger particles, such as sawdust.