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By Selena Peña, BS
(she/her/ella)
MPH Candidate, 2024
OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
Photo source: Pixabay
Kids Are Not Small Adults
Kids Are Not Small Adults
Wildfires affect everything they touch. Children however are particularly vulnerable. Their anatomy, physiology, and day-to-day activities put them at higher risk of adverse (negative) effects from wildfire smoke exposure than most adults.
Wildfires affect everything they touch. Children however are particularly vulnerable. Their anatomy, physiology, and day-to-day activities put them at higher risk of adverse (negative) effects from wildfire smoke exposure than most adults.
Pediatric Health & Smoke Exposure
Pediatric Health & Smoke Exposure
Although there is more research on the adult health effects of wildfire smoke, it is clear that pediatric exposures are particularly devastating. Adverse effects on the developing lungs of children have been demonstrated to have health effects across the life course (Holm et al., 2020).
Although there is more research on the adult health effects of wildfire smoke, it is clear that pediatric exposures are particularly devastating. Adverse effects on the developing lungs of children have been demonstrated to have health effects across the life course (Holm et al., 2020).
What makes children more vulnerable?
What makes children more vulnerable?
Photo source: Unsplash, by CDC
Nasal Deposition in Lungs
Nasal Deposition in Lungs
Less nasal deposition of particles (a higher proportion of particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs) (Holm et al., 2020).
Photo source: Unsplash, by Nathan Dumlao
Body Weight
Body Weight
Kids are physically smaller than adults thus, they breathe a greater amount of pollution per pound of body weight than adults (Trasande & Thurston, 2005).
Photo source: Unsplash, by Alexandr Podvalny
Exposure Risk
Exposure Risk
They spend more time outdoors and exercise more than most adults (Trasande & Thurston, 2005).
Photo source: Unsplash, by Markus Spiske
Development
Development
Because kid's lungs are not fully developed, they can experience various adverse events throughout their life course after a developmental delay due to adverse health effects of smoke exposure (Holm et al., 2020). Consequently, the timing of exposure is important. Children at different stages of development may be differently susceptible to the effects (Holm et al., 2020).
The Air We Breathe
The Air We Breathe
There are many components to wildfire-caused smoke that can be dangerous for vulnerable populations. Those of greatest concern include particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, and hazardous air pollutants
There are many components to wildfire-caused smoke that can be dangerous for vulnerable populations. Those of greatest concern include particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, and hazardous air pollutants
Particulate Matter
Particulate Matter
Photo Source: EPA
The Basics
The Basics
Particulate matter (PM) is defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency as “a general term for a mixture of solid and liquid droplets suspended in the air.” These droplets are so small and airborne that they can easily be inhaled by anyone exposed. PM presents itself in great quantities during wildfires. Materials burned including that in forest and residential areas all turn into PM. Lead paint for example or wood with toxic varnishes to name a few would become PM that can easily be inhaled by anyone in proximity. In addition to wildfire smoke, combustion-related activities produce PM, from factories to construction sites. This particle pollution is constantly in the air we breathe but it is the concentration, particle size, and cumulative effects that are cause for concern (Holm et al., 2020). Although there have been great efforts to reduce particle pollution from industrial origins, particularly through The Clean Air Act, wildfires are not as easily controlled (Aguilera et al., 2021).
Research has shown an association between particulate matter exposure and chronic lung diseases such as asthma
Lung function has been shown to decrease with exposure to particulates and conversely improved with decreased particulate exposure over time
Increased rate of childhood pneumonia
Neuropsychological effects including ADHD and autism
Metabolic and growth effects include: decreased birthweight when exposed in-utero, decreases in linear growth, and increase in obesity (Holm et al., 2020).
"[PM] has been increasingly associated with infant respiratory illness and infant death in recent studies across the globe" (Trasande & Thurston, 2005).
Gaseous Pollutants
Gaseous Pollutants
Photo Source: Pixabay by andreas160578
The Basics
The Basics
Gaseous pollutants are gases that can have an environmental impact, usually negative. They can include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and benzene (EPA, 2022).
Pediatric Health Effects
Pediatric Health Effects
Many gaseous pollutants are known to be carcinogenic with recurring exposure increasing a child's lifetime cancer risk
Wheezing (Holm et al., 2020)
Hazardous Air Pollutants
Hazardous Air Pollutants
Hazardous air pollutants include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). According to the World Health Organization PAHs mainly come from the incomplete combustion of organic material like the burning of trees or urban structures during a wildfire (WHO, 2021). These air pollutants are deemed to have adverse health effects on those who are exposed to them. The WHO has also confirmed that children can be exposed to PAHs via inhalation, through their skin, or ingestion of contaminated food (WHO, 2021).
According to a report by the WHO addressing the health effects of PAHs, there are various adverse health effects of note:
PAHs in ambient air are associated with increased cancer incidence in exposed populations. These include childhood cancers, breast cancer, and lung cancer.
Some research has linked adverse cognitive or behavioral functions effects in children.
Additional Considerations
Additional Considerations
7.4 million children in the United States are affected by wildfire smoke annually. With wildfire incidence increasing over recent years, the number and severity of children affected will no doubt increase as well (Holm et al., 2020).
7.4 million children in the United States are affected by wildfire smoke annually. With wildfire incidence increasing over recent years, the number and severity of children affected will no doubt increase as well (Holm et al., 2020).
Photo Source: Unsplash by Thijs Stoop
Global Climate Change
Global Climate Change
Due to the warming climate, exposure to wildfire smoke will likely only increase. Fire weather, meaning hot and dry, has become more frequent and intense in recent decades. "The US is among the regions where the frequency and severity of fire weather have shifted beyond the natural conditions seen in the pre-industrial period" (Smith et al., 2020). With a warming climate, increasing incidences of wildfires, and thus wildfire smoke, it is reasonable to also predict a decline in children's health as time progresses and the effects of climate change are even more evident.
Solutions
Solutions
Although wildfires continue to be a climate change emergency, there are current efforts in the right direction to protect the pediatric population from the devastating effects of wildfires.
Although wildfires continue to be a climate change emergency, there are current efforts in the right direction to protect the pediatric population from the devastating effects of wildfires.
Photo source: (Pacitto et al., 2020)
Air Purifiers
Air Purifiers
Some research has shown that air purifier use while keeping windows shut in schools can lead to significantly improved concentration ratios of airborne particles and gaseous pollutants indoors (Pacitto et al., 2020).
Photo source: Denver.gov
Love My Air
Love My Air
Ultimately, more research is needed on wildfire pollution and its effect on pediatric populations. According to Denver.gov, The Love My Air Program in Denver, Colorado is doing just that. The program has allowed the city to collect data on air quality near and inside local schools. They hope to ultimately use this data to improve air quality and reduce the effects of asthma (one of the top reasons children miss school).
Photo source: Unsplash by Jonathan J. Castellon
Education
Education
Wildfires will continue to be a concern for the foreseeable future. With that, it is important to know what to do in case of an emergency of a nearby wildfire. The American Lung Association has created a website for the public to access and educate themselves on best practices for protecting their health if a local wildfire fire were to occur.
Making Connections
Making Connections
If you enjoyed this page, check out these others!
If you enjoyed this page, check out these others!
References
References
Aguilera, R., Corringham, T., Gershunov, A., Leibel, S., & Benmarhnia, T. (2021). Fine particles in wildfire smoke and pediatric respiratory health in California. Pediatrics, 147(4). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-027128
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Castellon, J.J. (2020). [Close-up of N95 mask on black background. Photograph]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/HH3nNZVcXik
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