While anyone can experience harmful side effects, there are certain groups of individuals who are more at risk from inhaling wildfire smoke. Those most at risk include:
People with allergies: People who have allergies tend to already have inflamed airways. Breathing in the particles produced from wildfire smoke can cause further irritation. Even when exposed to low levels of smoke, it can result in worse symptoms and lead to an asthma attack.
Pregnant women: During pregnancy, women experience many changes, one of which is increased breathing rates. Along with making it even harder to breathe, the smoke can potentially lead to negative health effects on the fetus. There’s the potential for either preterm birth or having a baby with a low birth weight.
Children: Since a young child’s airways and respiratory system are still developing, they breathe in more air per pound of bodyweight than adults do. If the air is polluted with wildfire smoke, they’ll also be breathing in more of the harmful particles and gases.
People with heart or lung problems: Having heart problems such as ischemic heart disease or heart failure can be a risk factor. When exposed to wildfire smoke, these individuals may begin to experience symptoms like shortness of breath, palpitations and chest pain. Similarly, having lung problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema is also a risk factor. These individuals may have more difficulty breathing and experience symptoms ranging from phlegm to wheezing.
Older adults: Older adults are more likely to have either heart or lung disease, which in turn makes them more susceptible to the negative effects of wildfire smoke.
People with diabetes: Diabetes is often associated with underlying cardiovascular diseases. These heart conditions make wildfire smoke inhalation potentially more dangerous for those patients.
Of course, firefighters, specifically wildland firefighters, are at high risk due to prolonged smoke exposure and inhalation. Specific responsibilities, such as maintaining the fire in the designated firelines, increase the rate of exposure.