The Los Angeles wildfires have caused devastating losses to homes and lives, and survivors may also face hidden health risks, although they are potentially very dangerous.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wildfire smoke contains a “complex mixture” of particulates that can pose a hazard even after short-term exposure.
These microscopic particles and droplets, known as PM2.5 or particulate matter, are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter.
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“The nose and mouth are entry points into the body,” Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, a Florida pulmonologist with extensive experience in respiratory health and air quality-related diseases, told FOX News Digital. .
“The smoke you’re breathing gets into your sinuses, and if you’re exposed to a lot of it, some of it can start to irritate your lining, causing inflammation,” the doctor warned. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) (AP)
“The smoke you’re breathing gets into your sinuses, and if you’re exposed to a lot, some of it can start to irritate your lining and cause inflammation,” he warned.
“These are signs that pollution may be overwhelming the body’s natural defenses.”
Dr. Austin Perlmutter, a board-certified internist in Seattle, said exposure to wildfire smoke can penetrate lung tissue and enter the bloodstream.
Specific health effects
Perlmutter said people exposed to air pollution can experience a variety of symptoms, including burning eyes, sore throat, cough, sinusitis, fatigue, headache, chest pain, shortness of breath and foggy head. It is said that there is.
Prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can worsen existing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory illnesses, Ferrer noted.
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“Smoke can also worsen existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma and emphysema,” says Dr. Mark Siegel, professor of clinical medicine at New York University Langone Health and senior medical analyst for Fox News. .
“Lack of oxygen can also cause heart attacks and strokes.”
People exposed to air pollution can experience a variety of symptoms, including burning eyes, sore throat, cough, sinusitis, fatigue, headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, and foggy head. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) (AP)
Perlmutter added that wildfire smoke has also been linked to an increased risk of many diseases, including heart and lung problems and brain dysfunction.
He warned that certain groups are at higher risk, including infants, young children and the elderly, as well as people with underlying heart or lung conditions or other chronic conditions.
“Smoke can worsen existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and emphysema.”
There are also mental health implications, Siegel said.
A 10-year study published in the journal Nature Mental Health showed “significant mental health effects” in Californians exposed to wildfires, doctors noted.
“People may feel anxious about evacuating or fear losing their homes,” Siegel said. You may have trouble sleeping because of it.
It added that the risk of falls and other injuries is also increased in areas affected by fire devastation.
6 tips to protect your health during wildfires
Experts shared next steps people can take to reduce the risk of health effects from wildfires.
1. Practice nasal hygiene
Ferrer emphasized that keeping the nasal passages open and clean is essential.
“Using a saline nasal spray every day, up to twice a day, or regularly, cleans the filters in your nose and makes them as effective as possible,” he told Fox News Digital. I can do that,” he said.
Experts agree that during periods of high smoke levels, it’s best to limit time spent outdoors and keep windows and doors closed. (Richard Vogel)
People can use ready-made saline or make their own at home using distilled water and salt, he said.
2. Stay indoors and optimize indoor air
During periods of high smoke levels, it’s best to limit time spent outdoors and keep windows and doors closed, Ferrer said.
Shah pointed out that the use of HEPA filters also helps improve air quality.
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“Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke,” he suggested.
Shah also recommends using weatherstripping when necessary and replacing HVAC filters more frequently.
During the first few months of cleaning, air quality can deteriorate significantly due to excess chemicals and particulates released. (St. Petersburg)
People may also want to minimize “indoor air pollution,” Perlmutter added.
“Do not light candles, fires, incense sticks or smoke indoors,” he advised. “If you’re cooking, use a hood if you have one to ventilate the area.”
3. Consider leaving the area temporarily
Darshan Shah, M.D., a board-certified surgeon and founder and CEO of California Next Health, said the excess chemicals and particulates released during the first few months of the cleanup have significantly affected air quality. He warned that it could get worse.
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“Consider temporarily relocating to a safer area until the situation improves,” he recommended.
4. Wear a mask
If you go outdoors, experts recommend wearing a close-fitting N95 mask to filter smoke particles.
If you go outdoors, experts recommend wearing a close-fitting N95 mask to filter smoke particles. (AP)
“Cloth masks, dust masks, and other low-quality masks are unlikely to provide sufficient protection,” Perlmutter said.
5. Monitor air quality
Experts recommend checking your AQI (Air Quality Index) regularly.
“Use apps and websites (such as AirNow) to monitor your air quality and avoid outdoor activities if the AQI is unhealthy,” Shah said.
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6. Do not visit burnt areas
“Avoid visiting areas that have recently experienced fires. There is a high risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and smoldering smoke, which can have serious effects on your respiratory and general health,” Shah said. he advised.
