Sean Cate

Sean Cate

August 7, 2024

People Are Dying Prematurely From An Overlooked Source, and It Could Be In The Air You Breath

While many are aware of the immediate dangers wildfires pose, the long-term health impacts still go overlooked. A recent study has shed light on a deadly consequence of wildfire smoke that may be lurking in the air we breathe.1 This threat is contributing to premature deaths, giving light to an urgent need for better wildfire management and awareness.

The Hidden Danger: PM2.5 Particles

Wildfires near the water
Credit: Pixabay

Between 2008 and 2018, at least 52,480 deaths were directly linked to inhaling tiny airborne pollutants associated with wildfires, according to a study reported by Phys.org. These pollutants, known as PM2.5 particles, are tiny and can go deep into the lungs, causing serious health problems. Researcher Rachel Connolly from the University of California Los Angeles and her team counted these deaths, revealing the significant health risks posed by wildfire smoke.

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The Health Impact of Wildfires

fires can be home to plenty of air pollutants
Credit: Pixabay

In 2023 alone, 56,580 wildfires burned across the United States, as reported by the U.S. Department of the Interior. These fires result from various factors, including human activity, lightning strikes, rising temperatures, and drought conditions. According to the Western Fire Chiefs Association and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, these fires have led to unhealthy air quality affecting over a quarter of the U.S. population each year.

The impact of wildfires on health is profound. The PM2.5 particles released during these events can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and prolonged exposure can lead to premature death. The study emphasizes that the benefits of controlled burns must be weighed against the health risks they pose, particularly in densely populated areas.

Why This Matters

wildfires will only make the air less habitable, which' we're already doing ourselves
Credit: Pixabay

While some experts have believed in the ecological benefits of wildfires, this new research challenges that notion by highlighting the deadly consequences of inhaling wildfire smoke. “The importance of wildfire management will only grow in the coming decades as aridification intensifies with climate change and more regions are susceptible to fires,” the researchers wrote.

The issue isn’t just from wildfires alone. Climate change will only make health risks worse, with rising temperatures projected to cause over 14.5 million additional deaths globally in the next 26 years.

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What Can Be Done?

firefighter attempting to control a blaze
Credit: Pixabay

Addressing the health risks posed by wildfires requires a multifaceted approach. Many wildfire-prone areas already practice controlled burning to manage vegetation and reduce the risk of larger, uncontrolled fires. However, this method also releases PM2.5 particles, necessitating improved strategies that balance ecological benefits with public health.

The researchers advocate for increased efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to rising global temperatures and more frequent wildfires. Additionally, they emphasize the need for continued research on the health impacts of wildfires to inform better management practices.

Protecting Yourself

Person wearing medical mask
Credit: Pixabay

In the meantime, individuals can take steps to protect themselves from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke. The World Air Quality Index Project recommends wearing N95 masks during periods of high pollution to filter out harmful particles. Staying indoors with air purifiers can also help reduce exposure to PM2.5 particles.

Conclusion

smoke after a wildfire
Credit: Pixabay

The recent study highlights the critical need for improved wildfire management and climate change mitigation to protect public health. As wildfires become more frequent and intense, understanding and addressing the hidden dangers of wildfire smoke is essential. By raising awareness and taking proactive measures, we can help reduce the deaths caused by this overlooked threat in the air we breathe.

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Sources

  1. Researchers astounded after new study calculates deaths from overlooked source: ‘Growing the evidence base’.” The Cool Down
  2. Phys.org