Wildfire smoke in Washington may trigger asthma, heart strain, and anxiety, experts warn
Public health experts warn that wildfire smoke in Washington is causing significant health risks, including respiratory issues and cardiovascular strain. Vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, are at the highest risk from fine particulate matter.
Why it matters
Increasing wildfire frequency makes understanding the long-term health impacts of smoke exposure a critical public health priority.
"Once you can smell smoke, things are already pretty bad."
Wildfire smoke drifting across Washington is causing more than irritated eyes and scratchy throats.
Public health experts say exposure during poor air quality can worsen breathing problems, stress the cardiovascular system and potentially affect mental health, with some communities facing more of that harm than others, The Seattle Medium reported.
University of Washington experts warned that children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and outdoor workers are especially vulnerable when wildfire smoke sets in.
UW public health experts also noted that parts of South Seattle may face added danger because residents already live with pollution from highways, industrial sites and the airport.
At the UW School of Public Health, epidemiology associate professor Anjum Hajat explained that the people most affected often fall at "both ends of the life course."
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