Can the Lungs Clean Themselves Out?
Yes, healthy lungs have a strong capacity to clean themselves. Inhaled particles get stuck in the mucus lining of the respiratory tract, and then tiny, hair-like cilia sweep the dirty mucus up to the back of the throat to be coughed out or swallowed. With much exposure to smoke, you may notice increased mucus and darkening of its color. Drink plenty of fluids to help replenish your body’s mucus supply. Healthy adults should recover in about one week after exposure to the fires’ smoke has stopped. Contact your health care provider. What Can Smoke Do To My Animals/Pest? Animals breathe just as you do and the same particles in smoke can cause health effects in animals. Minimize your animal’s exposure to forest fire smoke. Consult a veterinarian for more animal health information.
