A brutal wildfire season has swept across parts of Europe, the United States and Canada this summer, with the UK among the hardest hit. More than 21,000 hectares have burned across 66 major fires in the UK by late July, compounded by England and Wales recording their driest July in nearly two centuries and large areas now officially in drought.
Beyond the immediate destruction, health experts warn that wildfire smoke carries serious risks well beyond the fire zone itself. The toxic mix of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds in wildfire smoke can trigger respiratory problems, eye irritation, cardiovascular strain and, in severe cases, premature death, with children, older adults and those with existing health conditions most at risk.
Experts stress that the mental health toll of wildfires, from the stress of evacuation to the trauma of losing a home, deserves equal attention alongside the physical health risks. As wildfires grow more frequent and severe with climate change, they point to a combination of better land management, stronger community support systems and individual precautions, such as staying indoors during heavy smoke and following evacuation orders, as key to reducing the harm.
Source: medicalxpress.com
