WILDFIRES: HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS

There are several health issues that arise from wildfires, namely due to the smoke emitted during the blazing event. When it comes to the short term effects, inhalation of the smoke could lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, making it extremely challenging to breathe, or may cause intense headaches.

On the other hand, longer term problems can include worsening existing lung diseases, such as asthma or bronchitis, and heightening the chances of heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, and premature death of occuring. Moreover, the smoke from wildfires has been linked to exacerbating complications of the brain, nervous system, skin, gut, kidney, and liver.