How Wildfires Can Affect Human Health

At least 11 people have already died and 37,000 acres burned in wildfires sweeping Los Angeles. Thousands of buildings were damaged, leading to mass evacuations, hospitalization of many people, and uncertainty about what the future held for the City of Angels.

While many are concerned about property and land damage, the short- and long-term health effects of wildfires can be devastating. Here’s how wildfires can affect the health of those near and far from the fires.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can affect those in close proximity to a smoldering fire. When inhaled, it can reduce the amount of oxygen present in the blood delivered to critical organs in the body. When organs such as the kidneys and heart do not receive enough oxygen, they are at risk of failure, which can ultimately lead to dangerous conditions such as kidney damage, heart failure, and even heart attacks.

Short-term health effects

Wildfires can affect not only those close to burning smoke, but also many others who are exposed to poor air quality due to smoke in the air. Last year, poor air quality from smoke from wildfires in Canada spread to New York and many states in northeastern America, creating dangerous health risks hundreds and thousands of miles away from the actual fire. The same will happen with the Los Angeles fires, which will undoubtedly affect hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Americans in neighboring states.

The reason for this is the harmful effects particle pollutionwhich are tiny particles smaller than a hair follicle that are released into the atmosphere when trees, houses and plastics burn. These small particles can act as irritants, especially when they come into contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth. Typical symptoms of particle pollution include red eyes, watery eyes and coughing.

Additionally, particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing lung damage that causes shortness of breath, chest pain, and wheezing. All of these health effects occur in the short term for most people.

Long-term health effects

Pollution particles can settle deep in the lungs and may not be completely eliminated from the body, especially if exposure to such toxins continues for long periods of time. This can lead to detrimental long-term health effects, such as chronic diseases such as asthma, as well as obstructive pulmonary disease such as bronchitis.

Research also demonstrates that those exposed to wildfire smoke or those affected by particle pollution are more likely to develop chronic diseases such as obstructive pulmonary disease, or have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke due to inflammation of particulate matter in the lungs or bloodstream. According to the study published in the journal, “Long-term exposure to wildfires may also increase the risk of lung cancer, just as second-hand smoke remains a risk factor for lung cancer.” Lancet.

Impact on mental health

Countless Americans lost their homes in the Los Angeles fires, including some prominent figures. celebrities like Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton. Imagine the stress, anxiety and even depression that comes with losing a home that is a place of relaxation, comfort and a place where lifelong memories are made. For some, watching your house burn can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that can last a lifetime and have devastating mental health consequences.

Vulnerable populations

Although wildfires can affect everyone’s health, certain populations are more likely to experience the detrimental health effects of wildfires. These include children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses. Children are more susceptible because their lungs are still developing and cannot remove toxins as efficiently as adults with fully developed lungs. In addition, older adults are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases and weakened immune systems, which make it difficult to clear particulate matter from the lungs and bloodstream, thereby increasing the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.

How to optimize health during wildfires

The most effective way to stay healthy during wildfires is to stay home and keep your windows and doors closed. This prevents the body from inhaling and interacting with harmful fire smoke and debris. Additionally, having humidifiers and air purifiers can help circulate good quality air to minimize the risk of poor quality air being inhaled directly into the lungs. Staying home during wildfires isn’t always an option for many, so it’s critical to evacuate if necessary and seek medical attention if you start coughing, wheezing, chest pain, or shortness of breath.