Breathe Easy: Navigating Wildfire Smoke's Impact and Your Health Shield

WHAT IS PM2.5?

Image source UCS blog - Union of Concerned Scientists

Air pollution is a serious issue that affects humans, with almost the entire global population now breathing in polluted air. The most dangerous type of air pollutant is PM2.5 (particulate matter), which contains tiny particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or less and can be made up of solid and liquid substances, including carbon, metals, and organic compounds. When inhaled, these particles can trigger inflammation that damages the neural connections in the brain.

Image source Gotham Gazette

Wildfires are a significant supporter of air pollution, and their smoke can travel vast distances, posing a threat not just to those who live nearby but also to people living thousands of miles away. If you are in an area affected by wildfire smoke, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise taking precautions to limit your exposure.

These include choosing a room to close off from outside air, keeping track of fibres nearby using services such as AirNow.fire and smoke map, paying attention to health symptoms and seeking medical care if needed.

Air pollution not only affects physical health but also mental health. It has been linked to impaired judgment, lower educational achievement, and higher levels of crime. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to pollutants such as PM2.5 can have a significant impact on the heart and brain. The most polluted areas often being the poorest neighbourhoods. Other factors such as education, diet, smoking, drug use, and alcohol consumption can also contribute to health problems.

Unfortunately, those who are worst affected by air pollution are often the least able to protect themselves or escape from it. An estimated 716 million people with the lowest incomes globally live in areas with unsafe levels of air pollution. Even in developed nations like Europe and North America, air pollution takes a greater toll on those who are least well-off or from minority communities that face systemic inequalities.