Arushi Bidhuri
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Arushi Bidhuri | Updated : July 19, 2021 5:01 PM IST
Amid Covid-19 concerns, another devastating problem that ravaged the world were forest fires. Did you know India recorded 82,170 forest fire alerts from April 1-14, 2021, double the number reported in the same period last year? Wildfires were not limited to India, several countries including the US reported wildfires destroying the habitat of thousands. And what makes it worse is that these wildfires can increase the risk of Covid-19. Wildfire is a potential risk factor for the onset of coronavirus. In a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it was highlighted that "wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs, cause inflammation, affect your immune system, and make you prone to lung infections, including SARS-CoV-2."
According to a study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, smoke from wildfires may enhance vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The Center for Genomic Medicine at the Desert Research Institute (DRI), Washoe County Health District (WCHD), and Renown Health (Renown) in Reno, Nevada, led the study.
The DRI-led study team set out to see if smoke from wildfires in the Western United States in 2020 was linked to an increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections in Reno. The researchers utilised models to examine the link between fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) from wildfire smoke and SARS-CoV-2 test positive rate data from Renown Health, a major, integrated healthcare network that serves Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California.
As per the study, PM 2.5 from wildfire smoke was related to a 17.7 per cent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases that occurred during a period of continuous smoke that occurred between August 16 and October 10, 2020. Daniel Kiser, M.S., co-lead author of the study and assistant research scientist at data science at DRI said, "our results showed a substantial increase in the COVID-19 positivity rate in Reno during a time when we were affected by heavy wildfire smoke from California wildfires."
Gai Elhanan, M.D., co-lead author of the study and associate research scientist of computer science at DRI opined that the intermountain valley location did not allow the pollutants to disperse and possibly increase the magnitude of exposure. This makes it even more important for us to understand smoke impacts on human health.
The current study expands on previous studies in San Francisco and Orange County by controlling for additional variables such as overall viral frequency, air temperature, and the number of tests performed in an area significantly impacted by wildfire smoke. Elhanan was quoted as saying: "We would love public health officials across the US to be a lot more aware of this because there are things, we can do in terms of public preparedness in the community to allow people to escape smoke during wildfire events."
Particulates in wildfire smoke, measured in microns, can reach the deepest depths of lung tissues and cause inflammation. Inhaling wildfire smoke can induce throat irritation, wheezing, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, congestion, chest pain, eye irritation, and shortness of breath, all of which are caused by smoke particles.
According to CDC, cloth masks are not enough to mitigate the risk of Covid-19. The authorities recommend using N95 or KN95 respirators as these can help safeguard you against the deadly coronavirus. The authority also advises on seeking cleaner air shelters and reduce outdoor exercises when it is smoky outside.
(with inputs from agencies)
