Wildfire smoke — which is becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change — attacks nearly every system in the human body, killing tens of thousands of people a year, numerous medical studies show. The smoke causes inflammation by triggering the body’s immune system to go into overtime to fight the irritant.
Health Risks
Scientists have found that wildfire smoke can harm the brain, the skin, and men’s sperm, with almost no system of the body spared. People over 60 become more prone to stroke in wildfire smoke. The smoke also harms pregnant women, increasing the risk of premature births and low-weight babies who could have breathing problems the rest of their lives.
On average, 24,100 people died each year in the Lower 48 states between 2006 and 2020 due to long-term exposure to tiny particles from wildfire smoke, according to a study in the journal Science Advances. A Stanford study projects that U.S. wildfire smoke deaths will increase with climate change and by midcentury hit an annual cost of $244 billion in terms of the economic value the government puts on each life.
Prevention
Experts suggest people wear high-quality masks when outdoors, even though they don’t provide perfect protection. Inside, check windows and doors for seals, invest in a good ventilation system, and check air filters. Staying away from the smoke is the best option if possible.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
