That tickle could be poison oak

EDITOR,
John Culloty asked in his Aug. 28 letter, “Is fire retardant safe?”
I would like to shed some light on his way of thinking, because I have experienced firsthand what he described as a dry, ticklish cough, as well as congestion, with a slight burning sensation as well.
I ended up having to go to the emergency room only to discover that my condition was created by the poison oak that had burned in a wildfire and was carried in the smoke.
I hope he pays attention to what I am saying and gets help soon. Leaving your windows open when there is a chance that wildfire may blow in your direction is not a chance I would ever take lightly again.
David English, Mount Hermon