Doctors: It’s More of a Nuisance Than Health Threat
By Phil Parker Journal Staff Writer
The monstrous Wallow Fire in Alpine, Ariz., continues to send a smoky haze into Santa Fe, but doctors here say it is more a nuisance than a threat for most people. Still, Santa Feans are advised to not exercise outside and avoid breathing in the smoke as best they can. And people with lung conditions should be especially careful. Smoke from the Wallow Fire will continue settling into Santa Fe for the rest of the week, according to a city news release Tuesday. Dr. Peter Shepard with Southwestern Ear, Nose and Throat Associates said the clinic, 1620 Hospital Drive, has seen an uptick in patients the past two days. The smoke is primarily affecting people with a history of lung diseases like emphysema and asthma, he said. “The only people who really need to be concerned have more severe underlying lung diseases,” said Shepard. “For the average person, avoid exercising outside right now. Keep your doors and windows closed at night, when the smoke is worse.” How much worse can actually be measured. According to the New Mexico Environment Department, the number of fine particles in the air Monday night reached 160 micrograms per cubic meter. Tuesday’s readings peaked at 55 micrograms around 5 p.m., but began dropping through the evening. Air monitors measure particulates in the air 2.5 microns in diameter — “really fine particulates that can go deep into lungs when you breathe in,” said Rita Bates, planning and policy section chief for the Air Quality Bureau at the Environment Department. Usual readings in Santa Fe, Bates said, are 10 micrograms per cubic meter or less. Still, Christus St. Vincent’s Regional Medical Center, has not seen an increase in visits over the past two days, according to its chief medical officer, Dr. Kevin Garrett, who specializes in lung disease. There have been calls from people having mild symptoms and wanting advice, Garrett said. “So at this point it’s causing some irritation, but it’s not really causing so much trouble people are rushing to see the doctor,” he said Tuesday. “Right now, based on current conditions, it’s not terribly concerning at all, other than people with very fragile lung conditions. I wouldn’t worry. There certainly won’t be any long-term damage.”
