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Devastating wildfire in California: wind, dry conditions to blame? Photograph: (X/@abc7newsbayarea)
As wildfires devastate Los Angeles and California, the destruction is evident. Homes are reduced to ashes, families displaced, and vast landscapes charred. However, the harm caused by wildfires extends beyond the visible damage.
Wildfires harm environment and health
Smoke from these fires poses severe health risks, according to a recent Stanford University report. It emphasizes that the toxic effects of wildfire smoke are underestimated, with potential long-term health consequences emerging.
A Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment study gathered insights from experts in environmental science, medicine, and public health. One alarming finding is that wildfire smoke is about ten times more toxic than everyday air pollution from fossil fuels.
The report states there’s no safe exposure level. “More exposure means worse health outcomes,” said Marshall Burke, an associate professor at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. Burke, who studies air quality’s impact on health, recently authored a study on rising wildfire-derived particulate matter pollution in the United States.
Wildfire smoke contains harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter, benzene, and heavy metals, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
These toxins can harm multiple body systems, including the cardiovascular and nervous systems, explained Jessica Yu, a research scientist at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment’s Climate and Energy Policy Program. “The fine particulate matter is especially dangerous because of its ability to cause widespread damage once it enters the bloodstream,” Yu noted.
Wildfire smoke endangers children's health
Children are highly vulnerable to wildfire smoke health effects. Lisa Patel, a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford School of Medicine, warned that repeated exposure could cause lasting harm.
“While we don’t know long-term outcomes of these repeated exposures for children, each new study should increase our concern,” Patel said. Studies tracking children years after large wildfire exposure have shown reduced lung function, greater antibiotic use, and increased healthcare visits.
Infants, adolescents, and young adults face heightened risks because their respiratory systems are still developing. Young children breathe more air relative to their body weight than adults, increasing their susceptibility to toxins.
“The toxicological impacts of wildfire smoke on developing respiratory systems extend beyond young children to include teens and young adults,” said Yu. Patel added that schools need to ensure clean indoor air quality using HVAC systems or portable air cleaners, especially on days with poor outdoor air quality.
AQI inadequately measures wildfire exposure
Current methods for determining exposure limits, like the Air Quality Index (AQI), may not fully account for the cumulative effects of wildfire smoke. Sharon Chinthrajah, an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics who specializes in allergies and asthma, emphasized the need to reevaluate these methods.
“With repeated exposures, we need to examine these approaches to limit exposure over time,” Chinthrajah said. She stressed the importance of additional precautions, particularly for children with preexisting respiratory conditions like asthma.
Stanford researchers cited climate change as a key factor driving the increased frequency and severity of wildfires. Rising global temperatures and irregular rainfall have made vegetation drier and more prone to igniting. Burke noted that climate change is amplifying the risks associated with other factors, such as historical fire suppression practices and increased human development in fire-prone areas.
“Climate change, particularly increasing fuel aridity from hotter temperatures and variable rainfall, is driving the recent rapid increase in wildfire activity,” Burke said.
Wealth disparities worsen wildfire impact
The report highlighted disparities in how communities are affected by and respond to wildfire smoke. Wealthier neighborhoods have better access to resources like air filtration systems and timely air quality information. In contrast, lower-income communities may lack these resources, leaving residents more exposed to smoke’s harmful effects.
Patel called for targeted public health interventions, including multilingual communication strategies and alert systems for vulnerable populations. “We need to ensure that people receive information in an appropriate and timely way, using multiple channels and languages,” she said.
To mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke, experts outlined recommendations. Portable air filtration systems can reduce indoor pollution in homes and schools. Wearing protective masks, like N95 respirators, during outdoor activities can limit exposure. Policy measures are critical. Governments should adopt stricter air quality standards and expand healthcare access for affected populations.
Patel noted that some health systems are using opt-in alert systems, where vulnerable patients receive text notifications about extreme heat or poor air quality, enabling them to take precautions.
California bill aids wildfire preparedness
Yu pointed to Assembly Bill 619 in California as an example of proactive legislation. The bill supports the California Department of Public Health in providing resources for counties to develop air quality health plans for wildfire smoke events.
These plans prioritize vulnerable populations and empower local officials to act quickly during emergencies. Initiatives include opening clean air centers, distributing protective equipment, and disseminating information about smoke exposure health risks.
Yu emphasised that integrating these strategies into broader public health plans is essential for building climate resilience.
As wildfires become more frequent and intense, the need for long-term solutions grows urgent. Patel underscored the importance of preparing health systems to better serve vulnerable patients during such crises.
“We need to consider how health systems can better reach vulnerable patients,” she said. Burke echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to address the root causes of wildfires and their health impacts.
The health consequences of wildfire smoke extend beyond the immediate crisis. Respiratory problems, cardiovascular strain, and mental health challenges from evacuation and loss will likely persist long after the fires are extinguished. While much remains to be understood about these impacts, the growing evidence serves as a reminder of the effects of wildfires.
With climate change making such events more common, experts agree that addressing the health implications of wildfire smoke must become a top priority for communities, policymakers, and health professionals.
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