Wildfires pollute the air, what should we do?

The Causes and Impacts of Wildfire Pollution

Wildfires are not just about burning trees and vegetation; they release large amounts of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. These substances can spread through the air, traveling far from the fire site to affect cities and communities. Especially concerning are PM2.5 particles (with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers), which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and enter the lungs, posing long-term health risks such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The impact of wildfires on air quality is not limited to the areas where they occur. For instance, during the 2018 "Camp Fire" in California, the smoke significantly worsened air quality in San Francisco, making it one of the worst in the world at that time, despite being far from the fire itself. This demonstrates how wide the impact of wildfires can be, especially when winds carry smoke hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

Health Risks of Wildfire Pollution

The harmful substances in wildfire smoke directly affect human health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. PM2.5 particles are particularly invasive, able to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure may lead to chronic lung disease, heart disease, and even strokes.

In addition to respiratory issues, wildfire smoke can also increase stress and anxiety, especially for residents living in fire-prone areas. The sense of danger from the fires, combined with the health risks of prolonged smoke exposure, can negatively impact mental health.

What Should We Do?

To minimize the harmful effects of wildfire-induced air pollution, the public can take the following steps:

1. Monitor Air Quality Information

First, stay informed about the air quality in your area by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI). Websites, mobile apps, and news outlets provide up-to-date information on air pollution levels. If the AQI reaches "unhealthy" or "very unhealthy" levels, it's advisable to reduce or avoid outdoor activities, especially vigorous exercise.

2. Use Air Purification Devices

Using high-efficiency air purifiers at home or work can significantly reduce indoor pollutant levels. Choose air purifiers with HEPA filters, which are highly effective at filtering out fine particulate matter. Additionally, keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke from entering indoor spaces.

3. Wear Protective Masks

If you must go outdoors, consider wearing an N95 or P100 mask, which can effectively filter out fine particulate matter in the air. Regular cloth or surgical masks do not provide adequate protection against PM2.5, so they are not suitable during severe air pollution.

4. Avoid Indoor Pollutant Sources

During a wildfire, avoid activities that generate indoor smoke, such as smoking, using candles, grilling, or anything else that may worsen indoor air quality. These activities can compound the pollution, making the already poor air quality even worse.

5. Monitor Health Carefully

People with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should be particularly vigilant. Keep medications on hand, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or dizziness, seek immediate medical care.

6. Long-Term Protection and Community Support

For residents in wildfire-prone areas, in addition to emergency measures, communities should consider developing long-term wildfire and air pollution response systems. This includes installing air quality monitoring devices, increasing public education, and establishing emergency plans. During wildfire seasons, it’s also important to provide shelters and clean air zones for the public.

Policy and Technological Responses

In addition to personal and community-level protective measures, policy and technological interventions are crucial. Local governments and environmental protection agencies should enhance wildfire prevention and response measures, such as clearing flammable vegetation and improving building fire resistance. At the same time, technology companies and academic institutions can continue to develop more effective air purification and monitoring technologies to address the growing wildfire crisis.

Conclusion

The threat of wildfire pollution is intensifying, and the health risks of worsening air quality cannot be overlooked. We need to raise awareness of personal protective measures and ensure that governments, technology, and communities work together to implement prevention and response strategies. By doing so, we can minimize the health risks of wildfire air pollution and protect ourselves and our families from harm.

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