Wildfire is a part of our nature. It has both positive and negative impacts on our plants, animals and also it affects our day to day life. Hotter and drier conditions are drying our ecosystems that cause an increased risk of wildfires. These wildfires release an enormous amount of harmful pollutants that are toxic (Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other non-methane organic compounds) which are harmful and have an impact on climate & weather change.
Australia’s 2019-2020 wildfire scorched more than a 45million acres of forests and released a record amount of carbon dioxide release. These wildfires not only affect animals and plants but also affect humans who live far away from the forests. These wildfires can cause stress, anguish to humans and also force people to flee from their hometowns.
These wildfires threaten the lung health of Americans, even the people who live far away from the forests. Wildfires are extremely harmful and threaten the lungs of humans, especially children, and older adults, and also those who suffer from asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and other chronic disorders.
The particles found in wildfire smoke are known as particle pollution which are tinier than our hair but these tiny particles can dodge inside our lungs and trigger asthma, stroke attacks, heart attacks, and also it can lead to death. In California, a study shows that children who have breathed smoky hairs suffer from coughing, wheezing, bronchitis, colds, and are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems especially asthma.
Another threat found from wildfire is Carbon Monoxide(CO). Inhaling this colorless and odorless gas will reduce the oxygen level delivered to the body’s organs and tissues which leads to headaches, nausea, dizziness, and also leads to premature deaths.
In addition to normal humans, firefighters face a lot of occupational hazards and are exposed to a large number of wildfires and for a longer period. Facing a lot of air pollutants causes them the risk of cancer, decreased lung functions, respiratory system problems, and other physical injuries which include heat burns and falling debris.
Some of the other common health risks include being overrun by fire causes them the risk of getting heat-related illness & injuries, physical injuries, and exposure to particular particles and other air pollutants in the wildfire.
Symptoms Say That the Smoke Is Affecting You
Higher exposure to smoke can trigger the following symptoms in your body.
- You will experience burning eyes, a runny nose, cough, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing.
- Smoke worsens your condition if you are already suffering from lung and heart diseases.
- If you are suffering from heart diseases you may experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- If you are suffering from lung disease you might not be able to breathe deeply and also you may experience coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
