Danger of forest fire smoke, from shortness of breath to death

The impact of forest fires is not only felt immediately when the fire is still burning. After the fire is extinguished, the smoke from forest fires can still spread and pose a danger to people living in the vicinity of the disaster area.

Forest fire smoke may not appear harmful to the naked eye. In fact, the various ingredients contained in it can be the cause of various health problems.

Hazardous substances in forest fire smoke

Source: Popular Science

All types of smoke can cause adverse health effects, especially if inhaled. However, forest fire smoke poses a much greater danger due to the content of various dangerous chemicals in it.

Most of the chemicals in forest fire smoke come from trees, buildings, vehicles, industrial facilities, and settlements around the forest.

These chemicals are usually used in pesticides, paints, fuels and building coatings.

In addition, forest fire smoke also contains a lot of ash particles from the burning material. If inhaled, particles in forest fire smoke will enter the lungs, causing respiratory problems.

Health risks from inhalation of forest fire fumes

A 2018 study found that exposure to forest fire smoke can increase the risk of serious health problems to the respiratory system. These include asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

However, the dangers of forest fire smoke don't stop there. The mixture of gases, chemicals, dust particles and other substances in forest fire smoke can have short-term and long-term effects on health.

1. Short term effects

The following are short-term effects that are at risk of arising from exposure to forest fire smoke:

• Difficulty breathing normally
• Shortness of breath or loud breathing
• Irritation of the throat and lungs
• Cough
• Itchy throat
• Runny nose
• The sinuses are irritated
• Eye irritation
• Headache

In severe cases, the impact of forest fire smoke can inhibit the supply of oxygen to the heart. This condition can be fatal if not treated immediately.

2. Long term effects

Forest fire smoke can last a long time, reducing air quality in the area around the disaster. As a result, the people who inhabit these areas are more at risk of experiencing long-term effects due to inhalation of fire fumes.

Health problems that are at risk include kidney disease, diabetes, fertility problems, and increased blood pressure.

Several studies have also found an increased risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Avoid the danger of forest fire smoke

Quoting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention page, here are some steps you can take to minimize the impact of forest fire smoke:

• Prepare the necessary facilities to anticipate forest fires
• Check air quality conditions every day
• Keeping the air in the house as clean as possible
• Avoid activities outside the home if it is not really urgent
• Use a special mask, because masks sold in general cannot withstand ash particles in fire smoke
• Installing an air filter at home
• Avoiding sources of pollution in the house, such as cigarette smoke
• Consult a doctor to monitor health conditions

Exposure to forest fire smoke, both in the short and long term, poses a number of health hazards. Therefore, self-protection is something that must be prioritized when forest fires occur.