Hazardous Canadian wildfire smoke forces cancellations, raises health concerns across northeast Ohio

Canadian wildfire smoke is continuing to blanket northeast Ohio today (July 17), creating air quality conditions considered hazardous for everyone and forcing the cancellation of several major outdoor events.

A “Code Maroon” air quality advisory is in effect through midnight for Summit, Medina, Portage, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. The National Weather Service says the designation means pollution levels are expected to be “extremely hazardous” for the general population. Canadian wildfire smoke will also reduce visibility, although conditions are expected to begin improving Friday night.

The dangerous air prompted officials with the 88th All-American Soap Box Derby to cancel all events scheduled for Friday at Derby Downs in Akron. That includes the National Super Kids Classic, along with alignment and wheel-selection activities for Saturday’s World Championship races.

Saturday’s events remain scheduled to proceed as planned for now. Derby officials say they will continue monitoring conditions and announce any changes to the schedule. Wheel selection will take place before each champion’s first heat if racing continues.

Wildfire smoke can affect the heart

The health concerns extend beyond coughing, burning eyes and difficulty breathing.

The American Heart Association says wildfire smoke contains fine particles known as PM2.5 that are small enough to travel deep into the lungs and may enter the bloodstream. Exposure can cause inflammation and stress within the body, potentially worsening existing cardiovascular disease or triggering a serious event in people without a previously diagnosed condition.

Short-term exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure, particularly among older adults and people with existing medical conditions.

Research cited by the association found that exposure to heavy wildfire smoke raised the risk of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by as much as 70%. Another study found emergency-room visits increased 42% for heart attacks and 22% for ischemic heart disease within a day of exposure to dense wildfire smoke.

What is actually in wildfire smoke?

Wildfire smoke means we’re inhaling microscopic particles, along with chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. Sunlight can change that chemical mixture as the smoke travels. Those tiny particles can reach deep into the lungs, triggering inflammation and worsening heart and breathing problems.

Formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Benzene is associated mainly with blood disorders and cancer following repeated or prolonged exposure. During a short-term wildfire-smoke emergency, however, health agencies generally consider PM2.5 to be the greatest immediate and widespread danger.

Health officials recommend staying indoors with doors and windows closed, using a high-efficiency air filter or portable air cleaner and avoiding outdoor exercise or other strenuous activity. Anyone experiencing chest pain, significant difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke or other severe symptoms should call 911.