The Harmful Health Effects of Wildfires
You may have heard about the drastic wildfires that have been occurring in Los Angeles. As a Los Angeles resident, this is all that I have been hearing about the past five days! Hearing about it so often is very upsetting as all that we know is that lives were taken, homes were destroyed, and natural landscapes have been damaged. Not only do these fires have an impact on the environment surrounding us, but it has harmful effects on our bodies, more specifically the smoke from the fires.
Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of many pollutants, small particles, gases, and water vapor. According to a Stanford University report, wildfire smoke is about ten times as toxic as normal air pollution that comes from fossil fuels. The impacts of wildfire smoke can range from minor to major. The more we breathe it in, the worse the health consequences.
Small effects of exposure to the smoke are burning eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose, and headaches. People who are at a higher risk, such as children, the elderly, and those with weaker immune systems may face more harsh effects. Exposure to the smoke can also result in repeated coughing, wheezing, phlegm, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Some respiratory effects from smoke are bronchitis, reduced lung function, an increased risk of asthma exacerbation (making it worse), and aggravation of other lung diseases. Cardiovascular effects are heart failure, heart attacks, stroke, and increased risk of emergency room visits.
In case you are in the Los Angeles area, or any other region where there are wildfires, or as a precaution for the future (which is hopefully never), here is some advice to avoid these harmful effects of the smoke:
Stay indoors to limit exposure to smoke
Close windows and doors to keep the air clean. You could also have an air purifier to filter out harsh particles.
Use N95 or P100 masks if you must go outdoors.
Avoid lighting candles, and avoid using the fireplace.
If you have pets, please bring them indoors!
References
EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/wildfire-smoke-course/health-effects-attributed-wildfire-smoke
“What We Know about the Health Effects of Wildfire.” Stanford Report, https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2025/01/assessing-wildfire-health-risks
“Smoke Advisory Extended - Unhealthy Air Quality Declared Due to Multiple Wildfires.” LISTING OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS RELEASES, http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=4935#:~:text=Wildfire%20smoke%20is%20a%20mixture,illness%20(i.e.%2C%20bronchitis)
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