On June 11, the first major fire of 2024 broke out in the Maures massif of Var. Nearly 440 firefighters were mobilized to “fix the fire”, and 65 people living in hamlets near the fire were evacuated overnight before returning to their homes the next day.
In a few hours, the fire had progressed very quickly and had burned nearly 600 hectares. Although no casualties were reported in this fire, forest fires can nevertheless have serious long-term health consequences.
The dangers of forest fires on health
Due to global warming, forest fires are becoming more and more frequent. It is therefore essential to learn how to protect yourself, in order to reduce the health risks that can result from smoke inhalation. “Populations must be educated and prepared to reduce the harmful health effects of wildfire smoke, and health professionals play a crucial role in this effort”underlined Doctor Mehdi Aloosh, assistant professor at McMaster University and medical health officer of Windsor-Essex County, Ontario (Canada) in a statement.
The researcher and his team therefore listed the dangers linked to exposure to fire smoke in a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). Inhaling smoke can lead to respiratory problems, such as asthma, as well as heart problems. “Wildfire smoke caused 710 emergency room visits for respiratory problems and 250 for heart problems in 2017. During smoke days in the United States, asthma-related hospital visits increased by 10.3% and non-traumatic deaths increased from 1% to 2% between 2006 and 2017″noted the study authors.
Fine particles contained in smoke can also be toxic. They can enter the body, generate free radicals and induce inflammation in the organs and tissues of the body.
Forest fires: how to protect yourself?
To prevent wildfire risks, experts have recommended using high-efficiency particulate air purifiers in the home. Wearing N95 or KN95 masks, fitted tightly on the outside, would also reduce exposure to fine particles by more than 90%.
