Title: Navigating Wildfire Smoke in Your Home: Key Insights
When wildfires ravage residential areas, they incinerate various materials in homes and surroundings – electronics, paint, plastics, furniture, and more. The resulting chemical mixture released during this combustion differs from that produced during vegetation fires, and some experts suggest it may be more harmful. The hazardous smoke and ash can permeate homes even if they aren't directly burned, contaminating surfaces and lingering for weeks to months.
As affected individuals return to their smoke-damaged homes, taking several precautions can protect their health before beginning the cleanup process.
Following the Marshall Fire's devastation near Boulder, Colorado, in 2021, my colleagues and I at local universities and labs discovered elevated levels of metals and toxic PAHs in the ash and higher VOC levels in air samples. Some VOCs, like dioxins, benzene, formaldehyde, and PAHs, can pose health risks to humans, with benzene being classified as a carcinogen.
To better understand the potential physical health implications, we surveyed residents affected by the wildfire six months, twelve months, and two years after the event. Even six months after the fire, several people reported symptoms linked to smoke and ash exposure. Out of the participants, 55% experienced at least one symptom six months after the blaze, with dry cough, sore throat, and sneezing being the most common. These symptoms were often associated with a noticeable change in the home's smell.
Although many reported improvements in smell and symptoms over time, many still reported symptoms even two years after the fire. Additionally, research showed a relationship between the proximity of a home to numerous burned structures and these lingering health issues. For every ten additional destroyed buildings within 250 meters of a person's home, headaches and a strange taste in the mouth increased by 21% and 26%, respectively.
Despite the list of unresolved questions regarding the long-term health implications, there are recommended measures to protect yourself after wildfires:
- Wear protective gear, including an N95 (or KN95) mask, gloves, goggles, and clothing that covers your skin, when you begin cleanup activities.
- Keep vulnerable individuals, such as those with heart or lung diseases, older adults, pregnant women, children, and pets, away from cleanup activities.
- Vacuum floors, drapes, and furniture to decrease the amount of smoke and ash particles.
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can worsen the situation by reacting with the chemicals in the ash.
- Clean the HVAC filter and ducts and replace furnace filters to maintain clean air circulation.
- Monitor air quality outside and open windows when the air is clean.
- If necessary, replace contaminated items, such as carpets, textiles, and furniture, to reduce the level of toxins in the home.
By following these recommendations, it's possible to minimize your exposure to the harmful chemicals present in wildfire smoke and ash, safeguarding your health in the long term.
In light of the findings from the Marshall Fire's impact on health, scientists are exploring the potential use of advanced technologies and innovations in science for early warning systems and health protection during wildfires. For instance, wearable devices equipped with sensors could monitor air quality and alert individuals about hazardous levels of toxins, allowing them to take necessary precautions.
As our understanding of wildfires' impact on health evolves, it becomes increasingly crucial to invest in health research and technology. By prioritizing health in future wildfire preparedness and response strategies, we can create a more resilient and safer future for communities at risk.
