Los Angeles wildfires: How the smoke exposure affects the body and the brain

A series of Los Angeles wildfires have brought the lives of the citizens to standstill. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes due to the raging flames. The massive wildfires broke out in Los Angeles fueled by high winds and scorching conditions destroying numerous buildings and houses. The apocalyptic scene led many people to make a hasty exit, leaving behind their cars and escaping on foot for safety. Wildfires not only cause loss of property and lead to destruction, but also trigger a range of health conditions among people around it. Wildfire smoke, a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, buildings, and other material, can make anyone sick, but people with certain health conditions are worst affected by them.As per CDC, exposure to wildfire smoke can cause symptoms like: CoughingTrouble breathingWheezingAsthma attacksStinging eyesScratchy throatRunny noseIrritated sinusesHeadachesTirednessChest painWildfires can be highly risky for people with chronic conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or heart disease.It can also be extremely hazardous for pregnant women, and children. According to American Lung Association, studies of children in California found that kids who breathed the smoky air during wildfires had more coughing, wheezing, bronchitis, colds, and were more likely to visit doctor or a hospital for respiratory causes, especially from asthma.People who are exposed to wildfires are at risk of carbon monoxide(CO) exposure. Inhaling it may reduce oxygen delivery to the body's organs and tissues causing symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness and, in high concentrations, premature death.Apart from physical health, wildfire smoke can be harmful for our brain health too. As per studies fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution caused by wildfires is more harmful than air pollution from other sources. This could be due to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) mixed with various levels of other known neurotoxic particles that are found in smoke, including heavy metals. These particles get to the brain via the olfactory nerve and pass through the blood–brain barrier, causing brain inflammation and oxidative stress.Brain inflammation can also raise the risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s disease. As per research from the Universities of Washington and Pennsylvania, the chances of a new dementia diagnosis increased about 21% for every 1 microgram rise in the concentration of wildfire particles a person inhales.People who face loss or trauma during these wildfires are at increased risk of PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, and depression.(Picture courtesy: iStock)