Challenges For Those With Respiratory Conditions & The Elderly
While my family friends did not have a respiratory condition, members of their community suffered from asthma which is particularly challenging to navigate during a forest fire.
Asthma
Wildfires pose several risks to those with asthma. Individuals with asthma are highly sensitive to changes in air quality, and the decreased air quality due to smoke can irritate the respiratory tract, making breathing difficult . In addition, fine particles from wildfire smoke can penetrate deeply and remain lodged permanently in the lungs, increasing the risk of asthma attacks.
While my family friends did not have a respiratory condition, members of their community suffered from asthma which is particularly challenging to navigate during a forest fire.
Asthma
Wildfires pose several risks to those with asthma. Individuals with asthma are highly sensitive to changes in air quality, and the decreased air quality due to smoke can irritate the respiratory tract, making breathing difficult . In addition, fine particles from wildfire smoke can penetrate deeply and remain lodged permanently in the lungs, increasing the risk of asthma attacks.
The Elderly
The elderly are highly susceptible to the effects of wildfire smoke due to their higher prevalence of pre-existing lung and heart diseases and potentially weaker immune systems due to underlying health conditions. Decreased mobility among older adults and isolation from a community network make it a challenge and stressful to react quickly and move safely when facing an evacuation order.
For these demographics, it is vital to decrease or even restrict outdoor activity in the event of a wildfire.
The elderly are highly susceptible to the effects of wildfire smoke due to their higher prevalence of pre-existing lung and heart diseases and potentially weaker immune systems due to underlying health conditions. Decreased mobility among older adults and isolation from a community network make it a challenge and stressful to react quickly and move safely when facing an evacuation order.
For these demographics, it is vital to decrease or even restrict outdoor activity in the event of a wildfire.
