JAKARTA - The smoke from the Canadian forest fires not only affects the lungs. The harmful particles in it can enter the bloodstream and be associated with disorders of the heart and brain as well as premature births.
The Independent, quoted on Sunday, July 19, said thick smoke enveloped a number of cities in North America this week. This condition triggered evacuations in Minnesota, canceled sports matches, reduced visibility, and lowered air quality to an unsafe level.
According to researchers at Stanford University, inhaling the smoke for a few days can damage the lungs equivalent to smoking in the same period.
Smoke from forest fires contains chemicals, metals, and PM2.5. PM2.5 is a very small-sized pollution particle that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Exposure to forest fire smoke has also been linked to tens of thousands of deaths in the United States.
"Extreme heat and forest fires bring the same great risk, especially for people with chronic diseases, including heart disease," said Dr. Manesh Patel, Head of the Cardiology Division of the Duke University School of Medicine, in a statement on Thursday.
"The combination of the two is very dangerous," he said.
Impact on the Heart
Smoke particles that enter the bloodstream can trigger inflammation and cause heart problems.
Exposure to forest fire smoke can increase the risk of cardiac arrest and complications related to heart disease.
A 2023 study found the risk of fatal heart attacks nearly doubled during heat waves with high levels of fine particulate pollution. The risk was greater in women and the elderly.
Risk of Inflammation in the Brain
Scientists at the University of New Mexico in 2023 found that smoke can trigger inflammation in the brain that lasts more than a month.
"Nerve inflammation can be the beginning of various disorders in the brain, including dementia, Alzheimer's, plaque buildup, early-life neurodevelopmental changes, and lifelong mood disorders," said University of New Mexico professor Matthew Campen.
Research from the American Academy of Neurology earlier this year also linked air pollution from forest fires to higher stroke rates and more severe stroke conditions.
Risk of Premature Birth
In pregnant women, exposure to forest fire smoke is associated with preterm birth.
Researcher at the Faculty of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Sally Picciotto, said many physiological changes occur during pregnancy.
According to Picciotto, the mother's breathing rate increases by about 40 percent. This condition makes more smoke can be inhaled and potentially affect fetal development.
Smoke exposure is expected to continue over the weekend in a number of northern states of the United States.
Detroit, Chicago, Washington DC, and New York were among the cities with the worst air quality in the world on Friday morning, according to air quality monitor IQAir.
To reduce exposure, the public can stay indoors, wear a KN95 mask or respirator that is tightly attached, and ensure that doors and windows are properly closed.
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