The Impact of Wildfires on Lung Health
Note to all emergency personnel and first responders:
Thank you so much for working hard through treacherous conditions to smolder the massive (and unexpected) wildfires throughout California, as well as for keeping the public safe and informed. You are real-life heroes for risking your lives to protect us. We sincerely appreciate your efforts!
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Due to the increased longevity and severity of the dryness and heat, and extreme weather brought on by climate change, unusually massive wildfires have become the norm in Northern California. Unfathomably poor air quality and smoke increase the amount of pollution in the Bay Area atmosphere, as well throughout the rest of California. This begs the question: how do colossal amounts of smoke and air pollution (caused by enormous wildfires) affect the lung health of the public?
As wildfires spread and become unruly, burned buildings and materials emit toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, in addition to tons of carbon dioxide. As such, one should note that inhaling wildfire smoke is more than inhaling carbon dioxide. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention notes that “wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning vegetation, building materials, and other materials” (CDC). It is extremely harmful, and has immediate side effects (according to the CDC) including:
Coughing
Trouble breathing normally
Stinging eyes
A scratchy throat
Runny nose
Irritated sinuses
Wheezing and shortness of breath
Chest pain
Headaches
An asthma attack
Tiredness
Fast heartbeat
Although pregnant women, children, people with pre-existing heart and/or respiratory conditions, people with diabetes, and older adults are most likely to be more negatively affected by wildfire smoke, the amount of smoke throughout California during wildfire season regularly reaches or exceeds toxic or very unhealthy levels of the air quality index (AQI). As such, healthy adults can also experience the severe consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. It is essential to keep track of the AQI: https://www.airnow.gov/.
The American Lung Association (ALA), notes that “many of the particles in wildfire smoke are no larger than one third the diameter of your hair. These particles are so small that they enter and lodge deep in the lungs” (ALA). Since these particles are a combination of solids, liquids, and unhealthy gases, these particles can trigger asthma attacks and worsen existing heart or lung conditions. In turn, this drastically increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Such consequences are also applicable to children. Children that inhaled smoky air during wildfire seasons in California “had more coughing, wheezing, bronchitis, colds, and were more likely to have to go to the doctor or the hospital for respiratory causes, especially from asthma” (ALA). Wildfire smoke poses a threat to everyone’s health and well-being. When firefighters are extinguishing fires, carbon monoxide (CO) is released. CO is a colorless and odorless gas that “reduces oxygen delivery to the body’s organs and tissues,” which can lead to dizziness, headaches, nausea, and premature death (ALA). Other hazardous gases, including nitrogen oxides, are also emitted.
The dangers of wildfire smoke pose a key question: how can I protect myself? The CDC has ten essential tips to stay safe:
Keep track of AQI reports
Pay attention to visibility guides
Stay indoors as much as possible and keep indoor air as clean as possible
Keep all windows/door closed and air-sealed
Run an air conditioner (keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to
prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside) o Use air filters to clean indoor air
Do not contribute to indoor pollution (candles, fireplaces, etc.)
Do not vacuum because it can stir up particles that are already in your home
Do not smoke
Follow your physician’s advice regarding medication and respiratory management plan
Do not rely on paper masks for protection. N95 masks, when properly worn, are the primary way to be protected from wildfire smoke
Avoid smoke exposure during outdoor recreation o Evacuate from the path of wildfires
Pay attention to local evacuation warnings and orders
Protect yourself during cleanup work after a fire (if you return to an area that was affected by the fire)
Although a round of 12,000+ lightning strikes throughout the Bay Area and Northern California sparked fires more than a week ago, the second round of lightning last weekend fueled the flames. Climate change has increased the average temperatures for spring and summer seasons, thus, causing the soil to be drier for longer periods of time. This increases the chances for massive droughts, thus, longer and more dangerous wildfire seasons. Wildfire easily ignites, and hot and dry conditions “increase the likelihood that the fire will be more intense and long-burning” (ALA). Consequently, countless families are being forced to evacuate. To safely and efficiently evacuate with minimal stress, ensure that you have a “go bag” prepared. Materials in this bag are virtually identical to any other emergency preparedness bags for earthquakes, hurricanes, etc. Keep several days of non-perishable food that do not require cooking, generous supply of N95 or P100 masks, all medication + glasses/contacts, copies of important documents, flashlights + batteries, numerous gallons of fresh water (1 gallon per person per day (1gal/person/day) for at least 3 days), at least 2 days of extra cloths, radio, first aid kits + whistles, maps, and other essential items.
Works Cited:
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/smoke.html
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/wildfires/index.html
https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/how-smoke-fires-can-affect-your-health
https://www.lung.org/blog/how-wildfires-affect
https://www.ready.gov/kit?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvbP7uqi46wIVMxh9Ch2U4gMnEAAYAyAA EgJCJPD_BwE#
Image Credit: https://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/lung-fire.jpg