California continues to experience the worst wildfires in history, but the specific effects of these events on human health still elude scientists.
The fires in the state have killed more than forty people and destroyed at least five thousand seven hundred buildings, but the consequences extend far beyond these figures. The fires have created a record amount of pollutants spread throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, about the same amount produced by the state’s vehicles in a year. Scientists believe more research is needed to understand how smoke affects the health of residents. This smoky, polluted air is filled with microscopic pieces of particles about 2.5 microns and smaller, or PM 2.5, which are too small for our body’s filtering system. managed to catch them, and they enter the bloodstream. These particles not only clouded the sky, turning the air misty brown, but also caused people to cough, wheeze, and have other side effects. the content in the air of polluting particles that are annually released into the air due to vehicles. Other recent studies have linked exposure to these particles to an increased risk of kidney problems and reduced life expectancy for those exposed to them in utero. It is less clear whether wildfire smoke is the source of these risks. The biggest question that the authors think needs to be addressed is whether the composition of fine particles in wildfire smoke is more harmful or less harmful than pollutant particles from vehicle operation. Recent studies have shed light on this issue. In a paper published in January, researchers found that during times of high wildfire levels in the western US, there was a 7.2% increase in the number of people over 65 who were hospitalized for respiratory problems, regardless of any pre-existing conditions.
The most common problems people experienced were respiratory tract infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma.
Research has also shown that women are more vulnerable than men to smoke-related health problems, likely because they have smaller lung capacities. Other studies have shown the same results in children.