Long-term health effects of wildfire smoke explained

(News Nation) — Fires in the Los Angeles area have spread across thousands of acres, sending smoke and ash across Southern California.

Breathing in smog, which contains tiny particles called PM2.5, can spread chemicals, dust, soot and metals throughout the human body.

At short doses, smoke exposure is linked to premature death, hospitalizations, bronchitis, asthma attacks and other respiratory and cardiac problems, according to the California Air Resources Board.

And long-term exposure can cause another problem, Dr. Lippi Roy told News Nation.

Wildfire smoke has long-term health effects

Roy warned that long-term exposure can lead to other diseases including dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes and lung cancer. The World Health Organization links 7 million premature deaths annually to indoor and outdoor air pollution.

The Environmental Protection Agency says there isn’t enough research to definitively link long-term wildfire smoke exposure over multiple seasons to specific diseases, although short-term and cumulative short-term exposure can cause a myriad of problems.

Smoke exposure can be especially a problem when smoke comes from urban areas not just from burning vegetation, Roy said.

“The house has paint, rubber, metal, steel. When they burn, they release really toxic smoke and ash,” the doctor explained.

Particulate pollution also triggers asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes and can lead to death, according to the American Lung Association.

People at highest risk – Children, the elderly, those with respiratory or heart problems, and those with compromised immune systems – May experience more serious effects, such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, cough, fatigue and/or chest pain.

How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke

The best way to protect yourself from wildfire smoke is to stay away from the source. If movement is not an option, it is best to stay indoors and limit any outdoor activity.

Inside, make sure your doors and windows are tightly closed and sealed.

An air filter or HVAC system with air filters can help maintain healthy indoor air quality, and portable air purifiers can also help, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is important to run your fan the entire time; Otherwise, the air will only be filtered during cooling. If your system operates using a fresh air intake, turn it off.

If you must be outside, wearing an N95 respirator mask and taking frequent breaks are important for your well-being.

News Nation’s Safia Sami Ali, Ashley Soriano and Damita Menezes contributed to this report.

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