As of this writing there are 1,000 wildfires in Canada. Washington State is being scorched -- 79,000 acres burned in July; 21,300 in August. Louisiana reported more than 440 wildfires in August alone. And no matter where you live, the smoke and particulate matter that the fires spread can impact your immediate and long-term health.
A study published in the journal PLOS Climate looked at the health of 725 Californians exposed to the 2018 Camp Fire and found that they not only had chronic symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD, they also struggled with cognitive deficits. Those changes, especially the long-term cognitive deficits may be the most serious, but particulates increase asthma-related visits to the ER. In New York, they increased 82% when Canadian fire pollution reached dangerous levels.
So this brings up the -- I know, it's unwelcome -- discussion of returning to wearing masks in some specific situations. Clearly when air quality is "moderate" some folks with COPD or asthma may need masks when outdoors and everyone should wear them when air is rated unhealthy because of particulate matter (associated with fires and other pollutants).
And what about masks, the increasing cases of COVID-19 and the appearance of a new COVID-19 variant? It's the same advice as for wildfires. People at high risk for complications from COVID-19, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, should wear a mask whenever indoors in spaces with low-air circulation and always in crowded environments. The rest of you go with what you think is smart for you and your near and dear.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2023 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
