BOISE, Idaho, July 31 -- Boise State University issued the following news release:
Recent wildfire smoke has engulfed the Treasure Valley, bringing the Air Quality Index into the "unhealthy" and 'very unhealthy" ranges. Faculty members in the School of Respiratory Care Sciences are stepping up to help the public understand the health risks and protect themselves.
Kristen McHenry, director of the Master of Science in Respiratory Care program, recently discussed wildfire smoke and its risks with the Idaho Statesman. McHenry explained that fine particulate matter and toxic gasses evade natural defenses to penetrate deep into the lungs.
"It really impacts not only the pulmonary system, but it can also impact the cardiovascular system as well...