How wildfires can affect human health

At least 11 people have done so already deceased and 37,000 hectares burned in the wildfires spreading across Los Angeles. Thousands of buildings have been affected, leading to mass evacuations, hospitalizations for many and uncertainty about what the future holds for the City of Angels.

While many are rightly concerned about damaged property and land, the short- and long-term health consequences of bushfires can prove devastating. Here’s how wildfires can affect the health of people near and far from wildfires.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can affect people near smoldering fires. 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 harmful conditions such as kidney damage, heart failure and even heart attacks.

Short-term health effects

Wildfires can impact not only those near the burning fumes, but also the many others exposed to poor air quality due to the smoke in the air. Last year, poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke in Canada spread all the way to New York and many states in the American Northeast, creating dangerous health threats hundreds and thousands of miles away from the actual fire. The same will be true of the LA fires, which will undoubtedly affect hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Americans in neighboring states.

The reason for this is because of the harmful effects of particle pollutionThese are tiny particles smaller than the size of a hair follicle that are released into the atmosphere when trees, houses and plastic burn. These small particles can be irritating, especially if they get into the eyes, nose and mouth. Typical symptoms of particulate pollution are redness of the eyes, watery eyes and coughing.

In addition, the particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, causing lung damage resulting in shortness of breath, chest pain and wheezing. These health effects all occur in the short term for most individuals.

Long-term health effects

Particle pollution can lodge deep in the lungs and may not be completely removed by the body, especially if exposure to such toxins continues for extended periods of time. This can lead to long-term adverse health effects, such as causing chronic conditions such as asthma and obstructive pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis.

Research also shows that those exposed to wildfire smoke or those affected by particulate pollution are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as obstructive pulmonary disease or have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke due to the inflammation of particulate matter in the lungs or the bloodstream. Long-term exposure to wildfires may also increase the risk of eventually developing lung cancer, similar to how secondhand smoke remains a risk factor for the development of lung cancer, according to a study published in The Lancet.

Mental health effects

Countless Americans have lost their homes due to the blazing fires in LA, including some prominent ones celebrities such as Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton. Imagine the stress, anxiety and even depression that comes with losing a home that is your place of peace and comfort and where lifelong memories are built. For some, the vision of seeing your house in flames can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that can last a lifetime and have devastating mental health consequences.

Vulnerable population groups

While anyone’s health can be affected by wildfires, certain populations are more likely to experience the adverse health effects of fires. This includes children, the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions. Children are more sensitive 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 have chronic medical conditions and weakened immune systems, making it more difficult to remove particulate matter from the lungs and bloodstream, exacerbating the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.

How to optimize health during wildfires

The most effective way to maintain health during wildfires is to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. This prevents the body from inhaling and coming into contact with the harmful smoke and debris from fires. 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 indoors is not always feasible for many during wildfires, so it is critical to evacuate when necessary and seek medical attention if you begin coughing, wheezing, experience chest pain, or become short of breath.