FLORENCE— Hazardous smoke brings hazardous health effects for residents of all ages. Tragedy struck on July 15, 2017 in the form of lightening, giving spark to one of the most drastic wildfires in Montana history. The Lolo Peak Fire began ten miles southwest of Lolo, Montana and managed to ravage through thousands of acres to poise a threat in Florence, Montana. With the Lolo Peak Fire came the destruction of various structures, a declaration for a state of emergency, and health effects for residents of the area. Residents are currently breathing in the hazardous air, which can lead to the symptoms of burning eyes, a running nose, or headaches. However, the effects aren’t just deposited for a short-term status. According to an employee for Missoula County …show more content…
They have been working hard against the particulates in the air, without any relief. This makes us more susceptible to pneumonia, and upper respiratory colds and infections”, Roselynn Bowman stated. In compliance with the weakening of lungs, residents of the area will continue to see more long-term effects the hazardous smoke has placed depending upon their age group. Children and teenagers are placed in a more at risk category because they are still in the process of growing so their respiratory systems are not yet fully developed. Until a respiratory system is fully developed, people breathe more air per pound of body weight than those who do have a fully developed respiratory system. Not to mention that children and teenagers are also more likely to spend more time outdoors during the evening when the particulate levels are the highest because of activities such as sports. The elderly are the second group to be placed in a more at risk status because they are already more susceptible to developing diseases in the heart or lungs. Breathing in the hazardous air can increase those