By Mary Kekatos
Heat records and drought conditions can have a serious impact on the health of millions Americans.
The smoke from over 800 fires that are burning in Canada affects air quality across several states including the Midwest region, Great Lakes and Northeast. AirNow’s readings can range from “moderate to unhealthy”. “.
Smoke from wildfires in New York City caused the air to be the poorest quality anywhere on earth at one time.
Experts say that inhaling toxic smoke or ash caused by wildfires could damage your lungs and heart and weaken your immune system.
Kimberly Humphrey is a fellow of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discussed climate change in relation to human health.
Fine particulate material, or PM2.5 (which is 30 times smaller that a hair), is a particular cause for concern.
The Environmental Protection Agency says that these particles can enter through the nose, throat, and lungs.
Vijay Limaye is a climate scientist and health expert at National Resources Defense Council. He told ABC News the fine particles were the main culprit. Their size can cause serious havoc.
PM2.5 can have short-term and long-term impacts on health. These include irritations of the nose, throat and eyes as well as coughing, shortness of breathe and sneezing.
Those with preexisting diseases or immunocompromised people, such as children, pregnant women and older adults are particularly vulnerable.
A study conducted in California for 2021 found that PM2.5 from wildfires could be 10 times as harmful as those produced by combustion.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that smoking can cause lung inflammation and make it more difficult to remove foreign material and bacteria. This could increase the risk of respiratory infections such as COVID-19.
A prolonged inflammation of the lungs can last for a long time after a fire has been extinguished, depending on how much and how long you were exposed.
Studies have also shown that poor air quality, caused by fires, is linked to cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes, heart attacks and heart failure.
Experts say that in addition to the record wildfires and climate change, more people will be at risk from toxic smoke.
Limaye explained that climate change was causing fires and smoke to worsen. “We’re talking hotter days and longer wildfire season, dryer conditions, early spring snowmelt, all of these factors are converging.”
He continued, “I think wildfire smoke is going to become an even greater concern for public health in the years ahead.”
Humphrey says that people need to be conscious of the air quality in their area and should wear masks when it is unhealthy.
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