The Long-term Implications of Wildfire Smoke With Regard to Lung Health

Wildfires not only pose an incredible threat to biodiversity but also to people living in surrounding areas. Scientists have recently hypothesized that there are multiple long-term complications associated with increased smoke levels as a result of widespread wildfires in California. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5, airborne pollutants with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less) emitted in smoke from a wildfire can cause damage to the lungs along with various breathing issues. Data has shown that excessive exposure to these fine particles decreases life length and increases the likelihood of a heart attack. Further pursuit of this study may prove that there are more health complications associated with wildfires than short-term breathing/lung issues. There seem to be plenty of indications that those exposed to multiple years of smoke have similar symptoms to those exposed to years of pollutants from factories and fossil fuel burning.

After being inhaled, fine particles can make their way to the alveoli in the lungs, where they can potentially enter the bloodstream. The alveoli in the lungs, consisting of fragile air sacs in close contact with numerous blood vessels, are the location for the all-essential oxygen/carbon dioxide transfer. Furthermore, as the alveoli are very fragile, continuous exposure to smoke and fine particulate matter can cause permanent damage and reduced lung capacity. Further research must be conducted about the long-term mortality trends from wildfire smoke exposure, as the current mathematical model designed by Michael Jerrett and his environmental health science team at UCLA’s Fielding School of Health relies on a few assumptions. One assumption is that fine particulate matter from wildfires is more deadly than fine particulate matter from other pollution sources, and the other assumption is that the fine particulate matter from wildfires is all of one type, rather than consisting of a composite assortment.

From 2008-2018 in California alone, the fine particulate matter from wildfires may have caused 52,500-55,700 premature deaths in the state, while the economic benefit from decreasing this early mortality rate is anywhere from $432 billion to $456 billion. With climate change becoming an ever-worsening problem, studying the long-term data trends of health complications and mortality from wildfire smoke is essential for better preparing to handle these natural disasters in the future.

Author: Abhinav Katyal

Reference: 1. Cunningham A. Wildfire smoke may cause tens of thousands of premature deaths. Science News. June 7, 2024. Accessed August 12, 2024. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/wildfire-smoke-pollution-premature-death.