Wildfire smoke’s health impacts and how to protect against them
November 20, 2024 – Amid wildfires that have been impacting air quality in Northeast U.S. states, a panel of experts gathered on Nov. 18 to discuss the potential health impacts of wildfire smoke, who’s most at risk, and how to protect against possible harm.
The live panel discussion was hosted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Department of Environmental Health. Panelists included Kari Nadeau, John Rock Professor of Climate and Population Studies and chair of the department; Joseph Allen, associate professor of exposure assessment science and director, Healthy Buildings; and Patrick Kinney and Jennifer Stowell, both environmental experts from Boston University’s School of Public Health.
Health issues associated with wildfire smoke—which can include a wide range of dangerous pollutants—include respiratory impacts such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, as well as increased risk of respiratory infections, according to Stowell. Frequent exposure can lead to cardiovascular problems such as stroke and heart attacks, higher risk for various types of cancer, and chronic stress, Nadeau added. Groups most at risk include those with pre-existing conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), children, pregnant women and their fetuses, older people, and marginalized populations.
To guard against negative health impacts from wildfire smoke, the panelists made several recommendations, including:
- Check the AirNow.gov website, which pinpoints locations where wildfire smoke is spreading
- Outdoors, wear a well-fitting N95 mask
- Minimize outdoor exposure if possible
- Inside buildings, use HEPA filters in air purifiers or ventilation systems that can capture dangerous particulates
Better forest management could help reduce wildfire risk, said Nadeau. She added that roughly 50% of wildfires are associated with climate change, so it’s also important to work toward reducing greenhouse emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Watch a video of the panel discussion: Wildfire Smoke, Air Quality, and Your Health
Photo: iStock/Toa55
