| The accelerating impacts of climate change are manifesting in many ways, from rising sea levels to extreme weather events. Among these is the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires. Once seasonal occurrences in some regions, wildfires are now year-round threats in many parts of the world. These fires, exacerbated by prolonged droughts, higher temperatures, and changing weather patterns, present significant health risks to populations far beyond the areas directly affected.
At My Green Doctor, we provide resources to help you and help educate your patients on the risks associated with air pollution and wildfires. Here is the link to our brochure: “Air Pollution & Wildfires in a Changing Climate” If you would like to discuss this topic with us, we would love to hear from you. We can help guide you to best practices to implementing these steps in your place of work, at home and for your patients.
Contact Heather Massey to schedule a call: [email protected]
The Health Toll of Smoke and Particulate Matter
One of the most immediate and pervasive health risks from wildfires is exposure to smoke. Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of gases and fine particulate matter, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. The most dangerous component is particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted that PM2.5 exposure is associated with a range of health problems, including respiratory infections, asthma exacerbations, and increased hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, while long-term exposure increases the risk of chronic illnesses and premature death.
Vulnerable Populations
Certain groups are more susceptible to the health impacts of wildfire smoke. Children, whose respiratory systems are still developing, are at higher risk of respiratory infections and reduced lung function. Older adults, especially those with preexisting health conditions, are also more vulnerable. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that pregnant women exposed to wildfire smoke may experience complications, including preterm birth and low birth weight.
Socioeconomically disadvantaged communities are often disproportionately affected, as they may lack access to healthcare, air filtration systems, or resources to evacuate during fires. The American Lung Association has emphasized that reducing health inequities is critical to protecting these populations from the worsening impacts of wildfires.
Mental Health Impacts
Beyond physical health, wildfires also pose significant risks to mental health. The trauma of evacuations, property loss, and the uncertainty of living in fire-prone areas can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), prolonged exposure to smoky air and the stress of rebuilding after wildfires can significantly strain mental health resources in affected regions.
Indirect Health Risks
Wildfires can disrupt healthcare systems and critical infrastructure, compounding health risks. Hospital closures, road blockages, and interruptions to power and water supplies can delay treatment for both acute and chronic conditions. Fires can also contaminate drinking water sources with ash, debris, and toxic runoff, leading to gastrointestinal illnesses and other health concerns, as noted by the WHO.
Climate Change as a Multiplier
Climate change is not just increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires; it is also creating a feedback loop that exacerbates their impacts. Fires release massive amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to further warming. They also destroy forests that act as carbon sinks, reducing the planet’s ability to absorb emissions.
Sustainable forest management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building resilient communities are essential steps to break the cycle of climate-driven wildfires.
Steps for Protecting Your Patients and Families
Doctors, nurses, and medical practices can take simple steps to reduce their health risks to patients and families:
- Air Quality Monitoring: Encourage your patients to stay informed about air quality levels during wildfire season by using resources like the EPA’s AirNow.gov website that lists daily air quality reports for every U.S. neighborhood. Similar services are available for many other countries.
- Stay Indoors: It is important to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and avoid exercise during a local smoke or air quality emergency. Monitor TV, radio, or social media for evacuation advisories or orders.
- Indoor Air Filtration: People can install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters on their home ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality and create clean air spaces in homes.
- Personal Protection: Wear N95 masks outdoors to filter out harmful particles during smoke events. These are available at most hardware stores, at many pharmacies, and online. These masks may be lifesaving for people with respiratory or cardiac conditions! But never wear a mask instead of evacuating!
- Emergency Preparedness: Every household should create its own evacuation plan and keep essential supplies, key family documents, medications and water prepared for when you must evacuate. Clinicians can make this a fifteen-second addition to the Social History!
References and Resources
- World Health Organization (WHO): Wildfires and Health Risks
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Air Quality Resources
- American Lung Association: Air Pollution and Wildfires
- United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR): Climate Risks and Community Resilience
- My Green Doctor: https://mygreendoctor.org/resources/waiting-room-brochures/
|
