Scientists discovered that the summertime wildfire smoke that covers a large portion of the American West is probably more dangerous than previously thought, particularly for elderly individuals.
This week, researchers from the University of Washington revealed that long-term exposure to the ultrafine particles in wildfire smoke increases the risk of dementia in people aged 60 and above.
According to lead author Joan Casey, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of Washington, that danger will only increase as climate change warms the atmosphere and lengthens wildfire seasons.
“Those who cannot access air quality warnings, afford filtration, or avoid outdoor exposure throughout the fire season are also at risk due to the increased exposure to wildfire smoke,” she said.
According to Casey, this is just one more instance of how underprivileged groups are being disproportionately affected by climate change.
Casey collaborated on the study with scientists from the University of California in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco; Columbia University; the University of Pennsylvania; and Kaiser Permanente representatives. Together, they looked at almost 1.2 million Southern Californians aged 60 and over, and their medical information spanning more than ten years.
According to Casey, the researchers discovered that a person over 60 had an 18% higher chance of developing dementia if they are exposed to more particulate matter in the air from wildfire smoke.
According to Casey, this exposure can occur in shorter but powerful bursts during days with exceptionally poor air quality or in longer bouts throughout an extended wildfire season.
In addition to smoke, wildfire smoke contains particulate matter, often known as PM2.5 since the particles are smaller than 2.5 micrometers, which is around 30 times smaller than the breadth of a hair.
According to Casey, some of that particulate matter can be as small as 25 times that size. They can be so tiny that they can enter a person’s bloodstream straight from their nose and go straight to their brain, impairing cognitive function and increasing the risk of dementia.
According to Casey, 10% of adults over 65 may already be suffering from dementia. There are various varieties, including Alzheimer’s, and since there are no proven treatments for these illnesses, there is a significant risk increase from wildfire smoke.
As our fire seasons get worse due to climate change, that risk will rise even more. Wildfires will start more frequently and burn hotter due to the warming of the climate brought on by human use of fossil fuels. This not only makes days with bad air quality more severe, but it also spreads the smoke from wildfires outside of the American West. Much of the eastern United States was covered in smoke earlier this year from fires in Canada, and the smog even extended as far as New York City.
According to an announcement from the University of Washington, researchers looked at documents from 2008 to 2019. Therefore, several of California’s most severe wildfire seasons, the summers of 2020 and 2021, are not included in the study.
The dangers of wildfire smoke extend beyond dementia. Long-term exposure may potentially cause cardiovascular or respiratory problems, particularly in people who already have heart and lung conditions.
According to Casey, those who work outside, live on the streets, or have limited access to healthcare and information are also more likely to be negatively impacted by the deteriorating air quality. They should make every effort to reduce their exposure, whether that means using air filters, masks, or remaining indoors.
Although the most recent study advances our understanding of wildfire smoke, Casey stated that much more research is required. The investigation ought to be conducted again in a wider geographic area and with different populations.
Research on the effects of wildfire smoke is expanding, according to Casey, in part because the effects of this deteriorating air quality are becoming much more widespread than they usually are.
According to Casey, wildfire smoke is no longer an isolated incident. All Americans’ health is at stake here.
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