The wildfires that have been spreading across Kansas since March 22 are nearly under control, but for people all over the Midwest who are breathing that air, the problems may just be starting.
People as far away as St. Louis have reported smoke from the fires as well as burning eyes and difficulty breathing. Some have had to use rescue inhalers normally used only for seasonal allergy attacks.
Dr. Bill Barkman, a pulmonologist with The University of Kansas Health System, is not surprised at these reports, and says the worst may be yet to come. In the video, he talks about how the fires affect people’s breathing and what happens to cause the problem. He also has advice on what people can do to minimize the effects, and why this will be a concern long after the fires are put out.
