CLEVELAND — It's estimated more than one hundred wildfires are burning in western Canada and already smoke is wafting into Minnesota, Wisconsin and parts of the central U.S.
Last year Canadian wildfire smoke sent air quality alerts skyrocketing in Northeast Ohio and the concern is that it could happen again.
"I think the big thing is that patients and people are more aware of air quality and looking out for those air quality alerts. I think last year most people just weren't really prepared for it and didn't really realize until they went outside and looked at the skies and smelled the smoke," said Emily Pennington, M.D. pulmonary medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic.
Wildfire smoke contains pollution particles so small they can infiltrate the lungs. Compounds such as sulfuric acid, ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate. That burning plastic smell is caused when the sun's U.V. rays chemically alter the smoke into benzene and formaldehyde. We don't know the long term health effects of breathing it in.
"It's definitely something that is of a concern that there could be some increased risk for cancer, especially if you have repeated exposures to these wildfire smoke," Dr. Pennington said.
If the smoke does come our way again, symptoms often mimic seasonal allergies, such as itchy eyes, runny nose, coughing, sneezing and congestion.
Those most at risk include anyone with chronic heart and lung conditions, those over age 65, pregnant people and children.
If you experience difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.