Tag Archives: wildfires

The wildfires in Maui have been devastating. Canada has also been dealing with significant wildfires this year and parts of the US have been impacted by the smoke, triggering air quality alerts.

It’s no surprise that being exposed to wildfire smoke is bad for one’s health. But a new study from the University of Michigan School of Public Health found that long-term exposure to wildfire smoke may increase one’s risk for dementia.

Researchers focused on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution which is produced by a variety of sources, including wildfires, traffic, and coal-fueled power plants. This particular form of air pollution is so dangerous because its tiny size allows it to cause inflammation in multiple parts of the body, including the brain.

Other studies have associated PM2.5 exposure with an increased dementia risk, according to Medical News Today.

This study drew my attention because the area where my parents retired, Ruidoso, New Mexico, is also prone to wildfires. While authorities will issue evacuation orders when a fire gets too close to neighborhoods, it’s not always easy for older people or those with disabilities to leave their homes and find adequate care in a shelter. People on fixed incomes can’t afford to wait it out in a hotel, and may not have access to transportation even if they want to leave. This is the situation my parents were in, and they would remain indoors as much as possible during wildfire outbreaks in the region.

Photo by Malachi Brooks on Unsplash.