Protect Yourself | The Health Risks of Wildfire Smoke

livewell
January 10, 2025
Noah Bennett

Los Angeles, once known for its sunshine and beaches, is now under dark hazardous smoke clouds. Result of a different kind of weather phenomenon, LA has seen six wildfires exploding across different parts since Tuesday. Further worsening the phenomenon are Santa Ana winds and a drought of below 0.1 inches of rain since May.

A misconception among people that the ones around or within the range of wildfires are at risk. No doubt, they are but the smoke is now reaching outside the origin, carrying fatal substances and countless health risks.

The Health Hazards in Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, known as PM 2.5. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. According to the latest recordings, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in LA is at an alarming 153 in the last two days, which is unhealthy to live in.

Moving further, current wildfire situation indicates that it can exacerbate existing health conditions and also trigger respiratory problems. It can inflate the airways, making breathing difficult for asthma sufferers, and worsen the symptoms of COPD such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Furthermore, pregnant women are also at significant risk of breathing troubles as well as premature deliveries, as claims Dr. Afif El-Hasan, a pediatrician and American Lung Association board member.

A High Number of Intoxicants

The wildfire has left nothing and covered somewhat 10,000 houses and the count for cars is still unknown. Hence, with all the burning electronics, plastics, paint, and metals, this fire is more likely to worsen health problems. These materials release hazardous toxins that highly trigger scarring lungs, inflammation, and asthma attacks. The Chemistry of Fires at the Wildland-Urban Interface report from National Academies Press further contains an in-depth analysis of wildfire.

Now, What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

Avoiding wildfire smoke entirely may not be possible, but there are several steps you can take to minimize its impact.

“Everyone should have air filters in their homes, that have a legitimate carbon filter as well to help neutralize and catch some of these other chemicals that can be hurting us”, says El-Hasan.

Further measures include the following:

Check AQI Regularly

Start by monitoring air quality every day. Check the quality of air in your area and if it is above 100, avoid going outside. In addition, stay aput with the local advisories and warnings from authorities.

Limit Outdoor Visits and Exposure

Stay indoors as much as you can and that too with closed doors and windows packed with glazing packers. Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to continuously clean the air in your home.

Take Precautions When Outdoors

Wear an N-95 or N-100 mask if you have to go outdoors. These masks fit properly and keep you safe from breathing directly into the hazardous air. Furthermore, use protective eyewear, such as goggles or glasses, to shield your eyes from smoke irritation.

Focus on Personal Health

Staying hydrated can help flush out toxins from your body. Moreover, refrain from smoking, using fireplaces, and burning candles, as these can further worsen indoor air quality. If, still, you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeats, or irregular breathing, seek medical assistance immediately.

In the End

The director of the University of California Davis Environmental Health Sciences Center, Irva Hertz-Picciotto says that the more particulate matter people will breathe, the higher the risk of respiratory issues as well as other adverse health conditions including worsening of existing diseases. Hence, by staying informed, reducing exposure, and taking necessary precautions, you can minimize the health risks associated with LA’s wildfire smoke.