What safe alternatives exist?
Wildfires in Los Angeles are wreaking havoc, claiming lives, displacing thousands, and destroying communities. The flames are dangerous, but even more so is the smoke, which poses a severe health crisis. Wildfire smoke is filled with toxic particles that enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream thereby increasing risks of long-term respiratory and cardiovascular health issues. As wildfires grow more frequent due to climate change, urgent action is needed to protect public health and improve air quality standards.
Curious about how wildfire smoke can impact you? Click through now to learn more.
Fires continue to rage in Los Angeles, California, and at least 25 people have died while thousands have been displaced. Brave firefighters are attempting to control the blazes, which are producing severe wildfire smoke.
Wildfire smoke can travel and affect the air quality far beyond the fire. With its plumes of smoke, the wildfires are drastically reducing air quality and creating severe health risks.
The wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream and potentially lead to severe issues.
Wildfire smoke can be extremely dangerous as it can include other hazardous chemicals produced from burning common household items. Examples can include plastics, electronics, and aerosols.
Once the wildfire particles enter the bloodstream, they can impact every organ in the body. What's worse is that these harmful particles aren't only found outside—some indoor air can be affected by air pollution too.
Breathing wildfire smoke can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.
If you are exposed to wildfire smoke, it can lead to burning or stinging sensation eyes and a scratchy throat. Additional issues can be difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing.
In severe cases, wildfire smoke is linked to heart attacks and stroke as well as lung cancer and cognitive function damage. There is a growing body of research that links wildfire smoke to longer-term neurological effects like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Indoor air quality can also be impacted by particulates infiltrating homes and buildings.
Children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing conditions are most at risk if they breathe in or are subjected to wildfire smoke.
There are several concerns for pregnant people exposed to wildfire smoke. In fact, there is growing evidence that links wildfire smoke with negative health outcomes such as gestational diabetes and low birth rates.
Recovery timelines can vary from person to person and depend on what, if any, pre-existing health conditions they might have. For healthy individuals, recovery can be quicker, but for those with underlying conditions, it may take longer.
Symptoms like inflammation or flare-ups in chronic conditions can last weeks or even longer.
Breathing in wildfire smoke can cause flare-ups for those with chronic lung conditions. This could lead to asthma attacks and increase the chances of a heart attack or stroke.
In more severe cases, exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to heart attacks and stroke, as well as lung cancer and cognitive function damage.
PM2.5 is extremely deadly and associated with premature death. The World Health Organization said that "indoor and outdoor air pollution is associated with seven million premature deaths annually."
Climate change is contributing to more frequent and severe wildfires. It's essential that we do our part to fight climate change through voting and personal habits.
Improving air quality measures must take place at a government level. Improved standards as well as planning and response measures should be discussed and prioritized.
If you need to go outside be sure to wear a N95 or KN95 mask to protect against fine particles. Try to avoid leaving your home while the fires and smoke are present if you can.
If there is an evacuation order and you can follow it, definitely do so. You need to be as far away from flames and exposure to smoke as possible.
If you know you have pre-existing health conditions, be sure you have all medications on hand in case you have a reaction to the wildfire smoke.
If you need to drive, whether that's to evacuate or otherwise, be sure your car is recirculating the air instead of bringing outside air in.
The Air Quality Index is a measure of outdoor air pollution and can help you determine if the air is safe or not. It'si important to check the AQI to know the possible effects for the general public.
Wildfire smoke is almost 10 times as toxic as regular air pollution from burning fossil fuels and thus there is no safe level of exposure.
Sources: (Times) (The Washington Post) (Stanford University)
See also: How wildfires can grow deadly overnight
Wildfire smoke and health: all your questions answered
What should you do to stay safe?
HEALTH Air safety
Wildfires in Los Angeles are wreaking havoc, claiming lives, displacing thousands, and destroying communities. The flames are dangerous, but even more so is the smoke, which poses a severe health crisis. Wildfire smoke is filled with toxic particles that enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream thereby increasing risks of long-term respiratory and cardiovascular health issues. As wildfires grow more frequent due to climate change, urgent action is needed to protect public health and improve air quality standards.
Curious about how wildfire smoke can impact you? Click through now to learn more.