Wildfires have marked their presence more than regularly this year, prompting many to worry about their health implications. The rising columns of smoke pose risks far beyond the proximity of the fires. On an average year, wildfires burn up to 7 million acres across the United States. Still, projections from experts assert that this year that figure could escalate near to 9 million acres. Such an abundance of smoke circulating in the atmosphere raises substantial health concerns.
For many, these concerns extend beyond the realm of respiratory health. Medical practitioners from varied disciplines, including rheumatologists, are apprehensive about the hostile effects of smoke. Particularly, patients with pre-existing conditions of the lungs or heart are at elevated risk. The tiny particles of smoke have the ability to infiltrate the lungs and instigate an inflammatory reaction. This distress can potentially escalate to affect the entire body, particularly impacting individuals with systemic diseases like rheumatic conditions.
With the circulatory system becoming a transport medium, inflammation can exacerbate existing conditions, or even trigger the onset of new diseases. The pervasive influence of wildfire smoke spans across various medical disciplines and reaches all body organs. Consequently, more attention needs to be paid to this rising threat. Experts are not only calling for heightened vigilance among healthcare providers but also adequate preparedness on part of healthcare systems and community groups.
The discussion about air quality is not limited to regions directly affected by wildfires. The quality of air a person breathes can vary significantly from one location to another. Places with a high concentration of industrial pollutants are at an increased risk of facing adverse effects when coupled with smoke from wildfires or other sources. The impact is altogether more severe for those residing in densely populated urban locales that have substantial air pollution.
Consequently, the risk levels are not universally equal. Certain populations are at a heightened risk due to their locale’s unfavorable air quality. As this problem escalates, adaptation becomes imperative. The focus should be on helping vulnerable patients steer clear of any potential harm. Preparedness and adaptability should be prioritized to manage the emerging challenges, including droughts, exposure to wildfire smoke and heat.
Healthcare systems and community groups have a pivotal role to play in helping patients cope with the impending problems. Measures like advance planning and proactive steps can pave way for effective patient care, helping them avert health complications. Astoundingly, around 156 million people live amidst unhealthy air. Almost half of the U.S. population resides in areas characterized by unhealthy air pollution levels, marking an increment by 25 million from the previous year, as indicated by air quality data.
A notable improvement in air quality was observed post the 1963 Clean Air Act’s implementation, however, this upward progression stalled about a decade ago. A rise in extreme heat events and wildfires have led to increased ozone and particle pollution, thus negating previous air quality gains. The fact that only 885 counties out of more than 3000 have the support for monitoring air pollution paints an inadequate picture of the situation.
The absence of sufficient funding and population in the remaining counties limits their capability to monitor air quality. Among the major contributors to unhealthy air are wildfires, exacerbated by climate change-induced extreme heat and drought. Industrial emissions, oil and gas extraction, mining, and construction add to this pollution conundrum.
In terms of air pollution, California stands among the worst-affected areas in the country. Los Angeles-Long Beach records the highest ozone levels among metropolitan areas in the state. Not only does this form of air pollution irritate the lungs, but it also complicates breathing, putting a strain on the respiratory system. The region also features among the top ten cities in terms of annual and daily particle pollution.
To its northeast, Bakersfield-Delano registers the worst particle pollution, both in terms of daily spikes and annual averages. The inhalation of polluted air is a serious health risk, and particular demographics are more vulnerable than others. People of color are more likely to live in areas with polluted air and are more likely to have pre-existing conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Air pollution is particularly dangerous for these demographics because these medical conditions increase the harmful effects of air pollution. According to statistics, Hispanic or Latino individuals are nearly three times more likely to reside in areas with poor air quality than their white counterparts. Poor air quality poses numerous risks including an increased risk of premature births, the exacerbation and onset of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, and fatality.
Certain demographics including children, adults over the age of 65, people of color, expectant individuals, smokers, and economically disadvantaged individuals face a heightened risk. A spotlight of hope under these alarming circumstances has been the improvements reported in ozone pollution across a few counties in California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
Closer to optimism are a select few locales in the U.S., showcasing clean air quality measured against ozone and particle pollution. Notable among these are the Augusta-Richmond County area spanning Georgia and South Carolina, Casper in Wyoming, Asheville-Waynesville-Brevard in North Carolina, Bangor in Maine, and Urban Honolulu in Hawaii.
Even though these areas are shining examples of relatively healthier air, it is crucial for every individual to understand the potential health repercussions of air pollution, irrespective of their geographic location. Ultimately, the key lies in collaborating at all levels – individual, community, and government, to adopt a proactive stance on environmental health concerns and advance towards cleaner, healthier air for all.
It is imperative that while we acknowledge the dire state of our air quality, we also recognize the power of informed and active citizens, healthcare providers, and policy makers to not only adapt to this new challenge, but triumph over it. One thing remains certain: the quality of the air we breathe today will greatly influence the state of our health tomorrow.