Newborns at high risk for poor air quality from wildfires

(WAFF) - A warning continues for people suffering with breathing problems. The air quality from wildfires is getting better but is still abnormal in north Alabama.

WAFF 48 News producer Nick Quaife believes the weather contributed to his newborn's cough.

Quaife is head over heels for his newborn baby girl, Autumn.

"If you get her on the right day, you'll get a good smile out of her or this (baby cries) if you're lucky," said Quaife.

At 7 weeks old, Autumn is already spending a lot of time outdoors. Quaife said they take her hiking and walking around the neighborhood.

Recently, Quaife noticed Autumn was suffering from a persistent cough.

"We thought, you know, it was her choking on a little bit of spit, but now we think it's actually from the smokiness," he said.

The smokey haze lingering in the north Alabama skies comes from raging wildfires in neighboring states. It's causing poor air quality and Dr. TIm Howard said it shouldn't be taken lightly.

"Folks who are sensitive should be aware of it you're out and about," Howard said.

Howard said there's a group of people who are sensitive to the smoke in the air, and newborns fall into that category, among others.

"Asthma, COPD, the very young, the very old, those who don't have an immune system set up to deal with any kind of allergens or any kind of pollutants," he said.

Howard said if you fall into that sensitive group you should avoid going outside, make sure your air filters inside are clean and if you have to go outdoors, wear a mask.

It's a lesson Quaife learned the hard way.

"Only go out when you have to because that's the last thing you want is your little one being impacted like that," said Quaife.

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