Air pollution is the single biggest environmental threat to human health.
Worldwide, ambient air pollution accounts for:
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29% of deaths and disease from lung cancer
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17% of deaths and disease from acute lower respiratory infection
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24% of deaths from stroke
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25% of deaths and disease from ischemic heart disease
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43% of deaths and disease from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Dangers of Wildfire Smoke
The main pollutant in wildfire smoke is very small particulate matter (PM2.5). It would take 20 of these particles in a line to equal the diameter of one human hair. When we breathe, these small particles pass through the alveoli of the lungs into the bloodstream and are deposited throughout the body. They cause both short and long term damage, resulting in serious disease and decreased life span. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health problems are particularly vulnerable to these effects.
toxic particles accumulate in our bodies
PM2.5 particles, those measuring less than 2.5 microns, easily pass through the alveoli of the lungs and into the bloodstream. They are then deposited throughout the organs of our bodies. During wildfires, these particulates are composed of mostly carbonic sources, which have a high capacity to create oxidative damage and inflammation throughout the body.
daily AQI above 62 poses health risks
In 2021, the WHO decreased the safe annual average exposure for PM2.5 to an AQI of 28. These changes reflected new evidence showing negative health effects as a result of low levels of exposure. WHO also decreased the 24-hour average recommended exposure level to less than an AQI of 62. This 24 hour level should only occur 3-4 times per year to avoid health risks.
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Source: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/345329/9789240034228-eng.pdf?sequence=1
short and long term exposure causes serious harm
"Both short-term acute exposure to high levels and long-term chronic exposure to low levels of particle pollution can cause serious harm. Short-term (hours to days) exposures to fine particles can trigger cardiovascular events, hospitalization episodes, and mortality. Long-term (months to years) exposures to fine particles can increase the risk of strokes, coronary heart disease and cause premature deaths."
Source: The American Lung Association https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/who-is-at-risk
Prior to 2017, Bend OR rarely experienced days where the average AQI was unhealthy. However, wildfires have changed how we need to think about the air we breathe. To avoid adverse health effects, children and other sensitive groups should avoid being outdoors if the AQI is above 100. The general adult population should avoid being outdoors if the AQI is above 150. Read more in this blog post...