Wildfires most widespread health threat is smoke that can travel hundreds or of miles.
As fires grow more frequent and severe, understanding smoke exposure is essential for protecting respiratory, cardiovascular, and mental health.
Wildfire smoke can travel far beyond the fire zone and affect communities hundreds of miles away.
Fine particulate matter is a health threat because it can reach deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
People can reduce exposure by monitoring air quality, improving indoor filtration, and limiting outdoor activity during smoke events.
Wildfire smoke is a complex mix of gases (ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and methane), microscopic particles, and toxic chemicals. When fires reach populated areas, burning buildings, vehicles, plastics, and electronics can add hazardous compounds to the air.
This process releases several dangerous pollutants into the air. The fine particulate matter are tiny particles that can reach deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Toxic compounds and metals are pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, lead, and asbestos released from burning structures and materials. Harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides that can impair oxygen delivery and worsen air quality. Toxic chemicals such as lead may also be released.
Although smoke can affect anyone, the risk is highest for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, people with heart or lung disease, outdoor workers, and first responders.
Some effects of wildfires may appear trivial such as headaches, eye or chest irritation. More serious effects can be wheezing, dizziness or chest pains.
Inhaling smoke particulates or products irritates the airways and can trigger inflammation throughout the respiratory system. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, sore throat, and sinus irritation. Asthma and COPD can be exacerbated by smoke events. Repeated exposure may impair lung development in children and reduce lung capacity in adults.
Wildfire smoke also affects the heart. Fine particles can enter the bloodstream, increasing inflammation and strain on the cardiovascular system.Heavy smoke days are linked to more hospital visits for heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, and heart failure, especially among older adults.
Wildfires can also affect mental health through trauma, isolation, and chronic stress during prolonged smoke seasons. Evacuation or property loss may lead to PTSD, anxiety, or depression after displacement, injury, or loss of home or belongings. Staying indoors during smoke events will result in less physical activity, disrupted sleep, and social isolation during extended smoke periods. Climate-related stress will exacerbate ongoing worry about recurring smoke seasons and long-term environmental change.
Long-term health adverse effects from wildfires are being researched. There is concern that they increase the risk or cause certain cancers. There is evidence that wildfires cause premature death of all causes.
Health organisations can reduce wildfire smoke harms through early warning systems and clear risk communication. Local and national governments need to act resulting in ensuring there are cleaner-air spaces, emergency planning, and policies that lower fire risk and protect vulnerable communities.
You can find out more here https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/wildfires-and-health