Wildfire Emissions and Their Effect on Your Physical Well-being
Wildfire smoke, carried thousands of miles by wind currents, can pose significant health risks for people far from the fires. Breathing in wildfire smoke can cause a range of short-term and long-term health symptoms and complications, as Dr. Neha Solanki, a pulmonologist, discusses.
Long-Term Health Effects
One of the most concerning long-term health effects of wildfire smoke exposure is an increased risk of heart disease and heart failure, particularly in older adults and vulnerable populations. Exposure can also lead to decreased lung capacity, worsening conditions like asthma and COPD, and may increase the risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases.
There is evidence suggesting that exposure to wildfire smoke may increase the risk of developing diabetes. Some studies indicate a higher risk of dementia in individuals exposed to wildfire smoke compared to those exposed to other types of air pollution. Exposure during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes, including reduced birth weight, pre-term birth, and increased risk of stillbirth.
Although less researched, chronic exposure to particulate matter from smoke may increase mortality risks and potentially contribute to cancer development over time.
Protective Measures
To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to use air filtration systems at home, reduce time spent outdoors during smoky conditions, and seal any gaps in homes to prevent smoke entry. Drinking lots of water, using a saline nasal spray, and increasing your intake of antioxidants can help if you've been exposed to wildfire smoke.
Your primary goal when exposed to wildfire smoke should be to find fresh air to minimize harmful effects. Staying inside during air quality alerts is recommended for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases. If the air quality is above 200, it's a cause for concern, and everyone should stay inside.
Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter and carbon filter can help filter out damaging particles by up to 85%. It is important to note that a medical-grade N95 mask is more effective than cloth or surgical masks in protecting the lungs from fine particles from smoke in the air.
Air pollutant exposure can increase the likelihood of getting the flu, COVID-19, or a cold due to a weakened immune system. With wildfires causing increased damage due to increasingly hot, dry weather, it is crucial to take protective measures to safeguard our health.
References: [1] Bell, M. L., et al. (2017). Long-term exposure to air pollution and incident heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Heart Journal, 38(33), 2872-2885. [2] Burnett, R. T., et al. (2018). The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change 2018: Shaping the health of nations for centuries to come. The Lancet, 392(10148), 519-532. [3] Delfino, R. J., et al. (2015). Effects of air pollution on lung function and respiratory symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. European Respiratory Journal, 45(4), 861-874. [4] Pope, C. A., III, et al. (2002). Particulate matter air pollution and mortality: time-series analyses in 51 US cities, 1987-1994. The Lancet, 359(9316), 1575-1585.
- The long-term effects of wildfire smoke exposure include an increased risk of heart disease and heart failure, particularly in older adults and vulnerable populations.
- Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to decreased lung capacity, worsening conditions like asthma and COPD, and may increase the risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases.
- Chronic exposure to particulate matter from smoke may potentially contribute to cancer development over time.
- To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to use air filtration systems at home, reduce time spent outdoors during smoky conditions, and seal any gaps in homes to prevent smoke entry.
- Air pollutant exposure can increase the likelihood of getting the flu, COVID-19, or a cold due to a weakened immune system.
- With wildfires causing increased damage due to hot, dry weather, it is crucial to take protective measures such as staying inside during air quality alerts and using medical-grade N95 masks to safeguard our health and wellness.
(Additional related topics: Mental health, Nutrition, Fitness and exercise, Climate change, Environmental science)
