The public health threat from wildfire smoke extends beyond the West, impacting lives in as many as 49 states. It primarily penetrates the body through the eyes, mucus membranes or upper airways, causing a host of harmful health effects. Wildfire smoke is an increasingly widespread threat. While relatively innocuous symptoms include coughing, itching, and shortness of breath, the pollutant can induce more serious effects including asthma exacerbation and heart palpitations as well as increasing the risk of dementia.
Understanding the Toxicity of Wildfire Smoke
Studies have demonstrated that wildfire smoke is more toxic than other types of pollution. The PM2.5 found in this smoke can cause inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body. This is particularly alarming because it has already been shown that wildfire smoke does indeed enter the brain through the blood stream.
A new study, following individuals over ten years in Southern California, showed the chronic effects of exposure to wildfire smoke. In fact, it concluded that long-term exposure had a much greater impact on raising the risk of dementia than other air pollutants. Dr. Anna Gunz, a pediatric intensive care doctor, emphasizes, “When we think about wildfires, it’s not just wood that’s been cut from trees that you maybe know. It’s everything else that’s burning — pesticides, herbicides, metals. Even allergens and fungus.”
Wildfire smoke is especially dangerous because of what it’s made up of. It’s particularly important for the public to be aware of their exposure when wildfires are happening.
Health Effects Linked to Wildfire Smoke Exposure
The impacts on your health from exposure to wildfire smoke can be unpredictable. To others, symptoms could be more impactful. They might be dealing with irritated eyes or a lingering cough. To those of us who are young and healthy, it may seem like the smoke only causes minor inconveniences.
Dr. Gunz explains that people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at greater risk. Arguably the people at greatest risk of illness are those who own inhalers. Asthma, absolutely. But individuals with COPD, cystic fibrosis and other lung conditions are going to find it much more difficult to breathe.
During the 2020 California wildfires, researchers experienced an influx of emergency department visits for mental health emergencies. This increase was borne largely by those who were at risk due to exposure to wildfire smoke. This brings to light a more insidious but no less alarming aspect of smoke exposure — its effect on mental health.
Children and women are further recognized as vulnerable populations with respect to the health impacts of wildfire smoke. Retaliatory origin stories aside, Indigenous communities are the first to experience the impacts of wildfires, year after year. As such, they too frequently find themselves evacuated from their homes and communities by intense smoke and flames.
Mitigating Risks Associated with Wildfire Smoke
Targeted mitigation strategies are therefore critical for protecting public health from the adverse effects of wildfire smoke exposure. Get real-time updates on air quality levels during the day. In turn, this understanding allows you to avoid conditions either by planning your outdoor activity around them.
Wearing protective gear — like N95 masks — can help filter out many harmful particles found in wildfire smoke. Being informed with air quality data is the first step to becoming more resilient, Dr. Gunz, who is an environmental engineer, recommends.
We love the smell of campfires. Even the smoke that we breathe by a campfire contains lots of particulates that are actually really bad for us,” she states. Continuing to learn is an important part of the work. Most importantly, it allows you to make proactive decisions to reduce your risk in the most dangerous times.
Combined effects from heat, high levels of air pollution, and wildfire smoke lead to even worse health effects. According to Dr. Gunz, such factors create a situation where health issues are likely to surface at a more accelerated rate within impacted populations.
