Frequently Asked Questions

Please add your own answers and/or comment on the existing answers using the Comment/Feedback page associated with each question.

Health Effects

Air quality over Houston is normal at present and there have been no documented adverse health effects from Central American smoke to date. There is no substantive evidence at this point to support the possibility of significant lung damage from this event. Anecdotal cases should be investigated with serial pulmonary function tests (including spirometry, lung volumes and diffusing capacity) if anyone thinks that a lung injury has occurred as a result of this event. Given the extent of spread and attention given to this smoke, the lack of documented ill-effects is notable.

Submitted by Castriotta Richard on 5/22/98

RecID: Background.RichardCastriotta1

Comment/Feedback URL: /CENTRAL-AMERICA/RemoteCFPages/CommentFeedback6.html

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Re: Health Effects

This was sent to me via email today (5/20/1998):

I just returned east from a weekend in Dallas and experienced a severe asthmatic attack. Since I do not have asthma I attribute the illness to the air in Texas being contaminated by the smoke from the fires burning in Mexico. Can you tell me how damaging the short and long term effect of this condition is to my lungs? or can you tell me who to contact that can give me further information?

Submitted by Bachmeier Scott on 5/20/98

RecID: Background.ScottBachmeier

Comment/Feedback URL: /CENTRAL-AMERICA/RemoteCFPages/CommentFeedback5.html

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Health Effects

Has anyone documented any adverse health effects from the Central American smoke? At this point we do not have any documented ill effects on health in Houston, although there may be an increased incidence of breathing-related complaints at the two County hospitals who serve the indigent.

Submitted by Castriotta Richard on 5/19/98

RecID: Background.RichardCastriotta

Comment/Feedback URL: /CENTRAL-AMERICA/RemoteCFPages/CommentFeedback4.html

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