Latest news with #AndrewStiehm
Axios
7 days ago
- Health
- Axios
How a smoky summer may affect health in Minnesota
The wildfire smoke has cleared (for now), ending Minnesota's longest air quality alert on record. State of play: Minnesotans again inhaled some of the crummiest air in the world late last week, as plumes from Canadian wildfires blanketed the skies with haze and triggered six consecutive days of air quality alerts. The drifting smoke has caused the Air Quality Index in the Twin Cites to hit unhealthy levels at least nine times this summer, per MPCA. Threat level: Short-term exposure to the fine particle pollution can make preexisting respiratory and cardiovascular disease worse, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. While there are not many studies on the longer-term effects, studies of wildland firefighters have found that continual exposure lasting days or weeks can have a "cumulative effect on lung function." What they're saying: "Needless to say, the lungs don't like it very much," Andrew Stiehm, a pulmonologist with Allina Health, told MPR News last week, citing inflammation and irritation that can cause wheezing and shortness of breath as major concerns. Between the lines: Stress on the lungs can also cause the heart to "work more than it's used to," Stiehm said. Those fine particles can also eventually enter the bloodstream, irritating blood vessels. Case in point: Early state research points to an uptick in ER visits during wildfire smoke alerts, per the Star Tribune. The CDC, meanwhile, documented an increase in heart attacks in the Midwest during smoky days with bad air quality in 2023. Zoom out: Other studies have found links between exposure to wildfire smoke and an increased risk for dementia, fertility treatment issues and adverse birth outcomes. What you can do: When it is smoky, close windows, use an air conditioner or purifier, and minimize time outside if you can. Masking with an N95 can also reduce the risks, especially for those whose age or health makes them more sensitive. Reducing your number of car trips can also help the overall state of air pollution, government and health officials say. What we're watching: The political blame game over the smoke has expanded to include the public health response. Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen, a physician, issued a statement last week calling on the Walz administration to produce a "comprehensive smoke/haze response plan" that includes "actionable strategies" for reducing risk for Minnesotans. DFL officials called the criticism "laughable," arguing that Jensen's "backwards climate policies... will directly lead to more air pollution," and said the Walz administration already takes some of the steps floated by the candidate.
CBS News
02-08-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Doctors share tips to help with Minnesota air quality
As the air quality for Minnesota remains dangerous, experts are giving advice. "It's not a one-size-fits-all answer," said Dr. Andrew Stiehm MD, who's a pulmonologist for Allina Health. "I just reinforce stay inside. Pay attention to the air quality index." Steim adds it's okay to be outside, but it's the duration spent and intensity of your outdoor workout that you should be wary of. "It's hard when you have an event you can't avoid," he added. Open Streets is an event in Northeast Minneapolis on Saturday. A day when Minneapolis' air quality ranked as the 10th worst among the world's major cities, according to IQ Air. "I'm glad I don't live in Saskatchewan," said Minneapolis resident John Larkay who was attending Saturday's Open Streets event with his dog. Larkay said Saturday was a perfect day despite the air. "I've lived here for 25 years and this has been some of the more extreme smoke conditions." Here's how to know if conditions are getting to you. "Red, itchy, irritated eyes, watery eyes," said Stiehm. "The nose can be congested, runny. Sinus congestion, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath." Those symptoms won't happen to everyone. "Part of it starts off with your natural vulnerability," said Stiehm. "As an example, I have one child who's very allergic. For example, we tend to worry more about him going outside on days like this than some of my other children that are less allergic." "The particulate matter is a big deal for your respiratory health. It's really concerning," said Minneapolis resident Ethan Culver. When WCCO asked Stiehm what people can do other than staying inside, he said the N95 mask can work if you need to go outside and reaching out to your healthcare team if your asthma is acting up. If you're staying indoors, Stiem says air purifiers can also help and keeping your windows closed. For air quality info, WCCO's NEXT Weather forecasts can be found here.
