Pharmacy and Wellness Review
Abstract
On average, 70,000 wildfires occur each year in the United States (US). Given the rise in the frequency and severity of wildfire destruction observed in recent decades, it is crucial for US healthcare providers to be aware of the risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure. The majority of fire deaths are caused by inhalation of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), including carbon monoxide (CO) and cyanide (CN), which can debilitate victims and impair their ability to successfully escape the flames. Research indicates that an increased number of visits to the emergency department, occurring two to three days after a wildfire incident, were due to cardiovascular (CV) complications, including arrhythmias and heart failure. There is an association between wildfire smoke exposure and high risk of preterm birth during the second trimester of pregnancy. For individuals with chronic lung conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it was found that smoke exposure for a duration exceeding five days can lead to acute exacerbations. Preventative measures, such as masking and avoidance of the smoke, can lower risk of health complications due to smoke inhalation. Even when used or executed properly, these preventative measures are not able to provide complete protection from detrimental effects of wildfire smoke. Healthcare providers should be properly educated on the effects of wildfires on respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive health, as well as the treatment and symptom management of smoke inhalation patients.