Wildfire Smoke: How to Protect Yourself During Poor Air Quality

Over the last few days, I've received dozens of messages about the wildfire smoke affecting Michigan and beyond.

While the hazy skies may look beautiful, the air is anything but healthy.

Wildfire smoke isn't simply "wood smoke." Modern wildfires often burn homes, vehicles, plastics, electronics, treated wood, insulation, furniture, and other man-made materials. That creates a complex mixture of pollutants that can affect your lungs, heart, immune system, and overall health.

So many people think wildfire smoke is simply burnt trees smoke. That's not true. It's a complex mixture of fine particles, toxic gases, VOCs, carcinogens, heavy metals, combustion products, household chemicals, agricultural chemicals, persistent pollutants, and biological particles

Fine particles

• PM2.5 (fine particulate matter)

• PM10 (larger particulate matter)

• Ultrafine particles

Toxic gases

• Carbon monoxide (CO)

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

• Nitric oxide

• Nitrogen dioxide

• Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)

• Ozone (formed downwind of wildfire smoke)

• Ammonia

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• Benzene

• Toluene

• Ethylbenzene

• Xylenes

• Formaldehyde

• Acetaldehyde

• Acrolein

• Styrene

• Methanol

• Ethanol

• Acetone

• Propylene

• Ethylene

• Isoprene

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

• Benzo[a]pyrene

• Anthracene

• Fluoranthene

• Pyrene

• Chrysene

• Phenanthrene

• Naphthalene

Dioxins & furans

• Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs)

• Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)

Heavy metals

• Lead

• Mercury

• Arsenic

• Cadmium

• Chromium

• Nickel

• Copper

• Zinc

• Manganese

Combustion byproducts from plastics & synthetic materials

• Hydrogen cyanide

• Hydrogen chloride

• Phosgene (rare)

• Acrylonitrile

• Vinyl chloride

• Brominated flame-retardant byproducts

Building materials that can contribute pollutants

• PVC pipes

• Vinyl siding

• Treated lumber

• Foam insulation

• Fiberglass binders

• Carpet adhesives

• Paints

• Solvents

• Roofing materials

• Asphalt

• Composite wood products

Household materials that can burn

• Furniture foam

• Mattresses

• Upholstery

• Electronics

• Batteries

• Cleaning chemicals

• Detergents

• Air fresheners

Agricultural & industrial contaminants

• Pesticides

• Herbicides

• Fertilizers

• Petroleum products

• Diesel fuel

• Motor oil

• Hydraulic fluids

• Industrial solvents

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

• PCBs

• Legacy pesticide residues (such as DDT)

• PBDE flame retardants

Biological particles

• Mold spores

• Bacteria

• Fungal fragments

• Pollen

• Plant material

• Ash

• Char

Why PM2.5 gets so much attention

While wildfire smoke contains hundreds of chemicals, PM2.5 is often considered one of the biggest health concerns because these microscopic particles can travel deep into the lungs. Some may enter the bloodstream, where they can contribute to inflammation throughout the body. The particles can also carry many of the chemicals listed above on their surfaces, transporting them into the respiratory tract.

Could glyphosate be part of the wildfire conversation?

This is something I think deserves a lot more attention.

For years, parts of Canada's forestry industry have sprayed glyphosate after logging to kill naturally regenerating deciduous trees like aspen and birch. Why? Because it allows commercially valuable conifers like pine and spruce to grow with less competition.

Here's what caught my attention...

Deciduous trees naturally hold more moisture than conifers. They don't ignite as easily and can help slow the spread of wildfires. In other words, they can act as natural firebreaks.

So it raises a fair question...

If we're removing many of the trees that naturally help slow fires so we can grow more commercially valuable trees, are we unintentionally creating forests that burn more intensely?

I'm not saying this is the reason Canada is experiencing catastrophic wildfires. Wildfires are incredibly complex. Weather, drought, lightning, forest management, fuel loads, and many other factors all play a role.

But I do think this is one of those conversations worth having.

It's also worth mentioning that Quebec banned herbicide use in public forests years ago, while other provinces have reduced or changed some of these practices.

I'm simply connecting the dots and asking questions that I think deserve thoughtful discussion.

When we talk about preventing catastrophic wildfires, forest composition should absolutely be part of that conversation.

What wildfire smoke does to your body

Most people think wildfire smoke only affects the lungs.

It doesn't.

The smallest particles in wildfire smoke, called PM2.5, are tiny enough to travel deep into your lungs. Some of the smallest particles may even move from the lungs into the bloodstream, where they can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body.

That's one reason wildfire smoke isn't just a respiratory issue.

Your lungs

Wildfire smoke can irritate the airways within hours, leading to coughing, sore throat, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and asthma flare-ups.

Your heart

Research has linked wildfire smoke exposure with increased emergency visits for heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, and stroke, particularly in older adults and those with underlying heart disease.

Your brain

Scientists are also studying how repeated exposure may affect the brain. Emerging research has found associations between long-term wildfire smoke exposure and cognitive decline, dementia risk, headaches, and other neurological effects.

Pregnancy and children

Pregnant women and young children are among the most vulnerable. Studies have linked wildfire smoke exposure with an increased risk of premature birth and lower birth weight, while children's developing lungs may be especially sensitive to smoke exposure.

Why symptoms sometimes appear later

Your body responds to smoke by activating the immune system. That inflammatory response doesn't always stop when the smoke clears. Some people notice coughing, fatigue, headaches, irritated eyes, or chest discomfort hours or even a day after their exposure.

This is why I take wildfire smoke seriously. It's not about creating fear. It's about understanding what's actually in the air so you can make informed decisions to reduce your exposure and support your body while conditions improve.

Support

Below are the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family.

1. Stay indoors whenever possible.

When air quality is poor, avoid spending unnecessary time outside.

If you do need to go outdoors, keep it brief and avoid strenuous activities like:

• Running

• Biking

• Yard work

• Heavy exercise

• Sports

The harder you breathe, the more polluted air reaches deep into your lungs.

2. Keep smoky air out of your home.

Close all windows and doors.

If your HVAC system allows it, switch it to recirculate indoor air rather than pulling in outside air.

In your vehicle, use the recirculate setting instead of bringing outdoor air inside.

3. Clean the air you're breathing.

One of the best investments during wildfire season is a quality HEPA air purifier.

Run it continuously while air quality is poor.

Also check your HVAC filter and replace it if it's dirty. Even creating one clean room with a HEPA air purifier can significantly reduce particle levels indoors.

Here are my favorite air filtration products and use code WILDFIRE10 for an additional 10% off everything.

4. If you don't have air conditioning or filtration, go somewhere that does.

If your home is becoming smoky and you can't keep the air clean, consider spending time somewhere with filtered indoor air, such as:

• Libraries

• Shopping malls

• Community centers

• Public buildings

5. Support your lungs and immune system.

The most important step is reducing your exposure.

I also focus on:

• Staying well hydrated

• Getting enough protein

• Vitamin C

• A systemic environmental toxin binder

• N-acetyl cysteine

• Glutathione support

These nutrients support your body's normal antioxidant defenses and respiratory health.

6. What is actually in wildfire smoke?

Wildfire smoke contains far more than burned trees.

Depending on what is burning, it may contain:

• PM2.5 (fine particulate matter)

• Carbon monoxide

• Benzene

• Formaldehyde

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• Dioxins

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

• Heavy metals

• Ash

• Mold spores

• Other combustion byproducts

When neighborhoods, businesses, or vehicles burn, the chemical mixture becomes even more complex.

7. Watch for symptoms.

Smoke exposure can cause:

• Eye irritation

• Coughing

• Sore throat

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Chest tightness

• Shortness of breath

• Worsening asthma or COPD

If you develop chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion, fainting, or symptoms that continue or worsen after getting into clean air, seek medical attention promptly.

My Wildfire Smoke Essentials

• Air Filtration

• NAC (*KL Support)

• Vitamin C

• A systemic environmental toxins binder (*HM-ET)

• Glutathione (*GlyNACtiv)

• Mullein tea, which has traditionally been used to help soothe the respiratory tract and support normal mucus clearance.
  

note: KL Support uses NAC as one part of a broader liver and kidney drainage formula.

GlyNACtive is much more focused on glutathione production because it combines a larger NAC and glycine pairing, along with supporting nutrients.

*If you're new to Cellcore, easily register for free here first. patient direct code: AQWXV4Cs

Homeopathic Remedies Commonly Used for Smoke Exposure

Note: Homeopathy matches the remedy to the person's symptoms rather than the diagnosis. The suggestions below are based on symptom patterns. Evidence supporting homeopathy for smoke exposure is limited.

Arsenicum album

Best for: Smoke exposure with anxiety and burning irritation.

• Burning, watery eyes

• Burning, runny nose

• Dry cough, especially at night

• Restlessness and worry

• Feeling worse after breathing smoky air

Euphrasia

Best for: Eye irritation from smoke.

• Burning, watery eyes

• Red, swollen eyelids

• Light sensitivity

• Mild daytime cough

• Runny nose without burning

Kali bichromicum

Best for: Thick, sticky congestion from smoke.

• Blocked nose

• Thick, stringy mucus

• Painful, irritated sinuses

• Sore chest

• Sticky mucus that is difficult to cough up

Kali muriaticum (Kali mur) 6X

Best for: White mucus and congestion.

This cell salt is commonly used to support the mucous membranes of the nose, sinuses, and lungs.

• Stuffy nose

• White nasal or lung mucus

• White-coated tongue

• Blocked or popping ears

• Mild sinus congestion

Natrum arsenicosum

Best for: People who are especially sensitive to smoke.

• Smoke-triggered headaches

• Dry, painful eyes

• Painful, blocked sinuses

• Deep, hacking cough

• Feeling like the lungs are full of smoke

Nux vomica

Best for: Irritation after smoke or chemical exposure.

• Irritability

• Feeling overwhelmed after inhaling smoke

• Often chosen after exposure to environmental chemicals

Silica (Silicea) 6X

Best for: Fine smoke particles irritating the airways.

This cell salt is commonly used to support the body's natural clearing of inhaled particles.

• Dry, irritating cough

• Feeling like dust or a hair is stuck in the throat

• Blocked nose

• Loss of smell or taste

• Thick yellow mucus

Rescue Remedy

Best for: Emotional stress during wildfire events.

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Anxiety

• Fear

• Emotional distress

Aconitum napellus (Aconite)

Best for: Sudden shock or panic.

• Fear

• Trembling

• Panic

• Feeling frightened after a fire or evacuation

Ignatia

Best for: Emotional upset or grief.

• Sadness

• Difficulty processing emotions

• Crying spells

• Emotional shock after a stressful event

Order

You can find most of these in my Fullscript dispensary or at most health food stores.

General Dosing

For most remedies:

• Potency: 6X, 6C, 12C, or 30C can all be used. I prefer 6X for the cell salts (Kali muriaticum and Silica) and 12C or 30C for the other remedies.

• Frequency: Take 2 to 4 times daily, depending on how bothersome the symptoms are.

• When to stop: Stop once symptoms improve. Repeat only if the same symptoms return.

• If no improvement: If there is no response after 3 to 5 days, consider a different remedy that better matches the symptoms or consult a qualified homeopath

  
  

Final Thoughts

Wildfire smoke is something we can't control, but we can take steps to reduce our exposure.

Stay indoors when possible, clean the air inside your home, stay hydrated, support your body's natural defenses, and pay attention to local air quality reports.

I hope this helps you stay safe during wildfire season.