Both short-term and long-term exposure to wildfire smoke and other pollutants like ozone and diesel emissions can cause inflammation in the brain. We believe pollutants in the lungs cause the neurological effects. Previous research has suggested that breathing in particulate matter (PM) causes pulmonary proteolysis, creating fragmented peptides that enter the bloodstream and weaken the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

Climate Central, a non-profit group, says that every person in the US took in more harmful wildfire smoke in 2023 than in any other year since 2006. Studies show that over the last ten years, exposure has grown 27 times in the United States.

Pollutants from wildfire smoke are mixed together, but fine particulate matter (PM2.5) makes up most of it and is a significant health risk. A study of more than 1.2 million people in southern California over the course of ten years found that wildfire smoke raises the chance of dementia more than any other type of air pollution. Researchers indicate that wildfire smoke is more dangerous to brain health than other types of air pollution.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is air pollution from industry, cars, and wildfire smoke. These are very small drops of solid and liquid matter in the air, 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair. The chance of getting dementia was much higher when people were exposed to PM2.5 from wildfire smoke than when people were exposed from other sources of air pollution. Smoke from other sources increases the risk of dementia, but not as much as smoke from wildfires.

Mental Health Consequences

On days with a lot of pollution, more people go to the hospital for depression, suicide attempts, and psychotic episodes. Study after study shows that children whose mothers were exposed to high amounts of particulates while they were pregnant are more likely to have motor and cognitive problems as adults.

One study is one of the first to look at the effects of particulate matter on teens, whose brains are still growing.

Data from 10,000 pre-teens in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD), the largest US child health study, was analyzed. Two of the 21 study sites are at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Researchers looked at parent questionnaires from four different times over three years and found that for both boys and girls, each extra day of exposure at unsafe levels increased the chance that they would have depression, anxiety, and other “internalizing symptoms” up to a year later.

But wildfire smoke doesn’t only affect the immediate area. While the exact distance depends on the wind and weather, smoke from wildfires can move hundreds of miles. This wide area has an effect on the air quality in places far from the fire, and the effects can last for weeks.

Smoke from wildfires, as previously noted, can have a significant effect on health. Some of the chemicals and small particles in smoke can impact the eyes, nose, and throat, making it hard to breathe, cough, and wheeze. If someone already has a breathing problem, like asthma, these signs can get worse.

How Can You Protect Yourself

It’s important to remember how the air quality is affected by the flames in the area, even if you are miles away. These are some simple things you can do to stay away from smoke and clean the air in your home and car.

1. Spend as much time as possible inside
Do not go outside as much, especially if you are working out when the air quality is poor. Inside is the best place to be when there is smoke. Keep a close eye on local news on the air quality. They often include a color-coded Air Quality Index (AQI) to help you decide how active you should be.

2. Close all the doors and windows
All of your windows and doors should be closed to keep smoke out of your home. Weather stripping or towels can fill in holes under doors and windows if you can. If your whole-house fan or window air conditioner does not have a HEPA filter, do not use them. They can bring smoke inside.

3. Use an air cleaner
If you have an air cleaner, especially one with a HEPA filter, use it to help clean the air inside your home. You might want to use portable air cleaners in the bedrooms and living rooms where you spend the most time. Do not use things that make ozone because it can make the air quality worse.

4. Create a room with clean air
Set aside one room as a “clean air room” if keeping your whole house smoke-free is hard. A HEPA air filter should be set up in a room with few windows and doors. During times of smoke, spend most of your time in this room.

5. Know how to use your air conditioner well
If you have an air conditioner, make sure it is set to bring in air from outside and move it inside. Keep the windows closed and, your car, set your air conditioner to the recycling mode to keep smoke out of your car while you drive.

6. Stay away from things that make indoor pollution worse
When the air quality outside is a concern, it is important to cut down on indoor pollution sources as well. Do not use gas stoves, burn candles, or smoke inside. The air quality inside can get even worse, and these actions can make the environment more dangerous.

7. Put on a mask if you need to.
If you have to go outside, wear a mask to keep out small particles. Wearing N95 respirators or KN95 masks can help protect you from dangerous particles in wildfire smoke. Scarves or masks made of cloth will not keep smoke out.

8. Keep an eye on air quality
You can check the air quality in your area in real time with apps or websites. There is a simple way to tell if the air is safe to breathe with the Air Quality Index (AQI), which helps you plan your day.

9. Drink plenty of water and look after your health
It is important to stay hydrated because wildfire smoke can irritate your lungs and make it harder to breathe. Your lungs and sinuses stay moist when you drink plenty of water. For people who already have conditions like asthma, make sure they have all of their medicines on hand. Also, do not wait to call their doctor if they have trouble breathing or other signs.

We are beginning to suffer through the effects of climate change and wildfires are a result. Living with these conflagrations may mean changes over a long period of time because climate change will be with us for decades, if not longer. Lifestyle changes are mandated if we expect to maintain our health when we need to interact with wildfire-induced pollution.

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Clinics to help keep Los Angeles community members healthy and prevent a ‘Twindemic’ of flu and COVID-19

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and fast approaching flu season, there is a growing public health concern about a potential ‘twindemic’ – the spread of flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Health authorities say it is more important than ever to get an annual flu vaccine. To keep communities safe and healthy, L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan’s network of Community Resource Centers are offering drive-thru flu shot clinics across Los Angeles County – at no cost to plan members and the community.

The flu shot clinics will be held October 9 through November 14 at various locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointments are necessary. Flu shots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis and are available while supplies last. Additionally, individuals aged 3 and older who get a flu shot will receive a $10 Ralphs/Food 4 Less gift card, also while supplies last.

“With so much focus on preventing COVID-19 infection for the last six months, we want to make sure people don’t forget about getting a flu shot,” said Richard Seidman, MD, MPH, L.A. Care Chief Medical Officer. “Contracting the coronavirus and the flu at the same time is especially dangerous since both affect the lungs, so we ramped up our efforts to fight the flu by making the flu vaccine widely available in a safe and convenient way.”

Health experts warn that the overlap of two respiratory illnesses could overburden the health care system, strain testing capacity, and increase the risk of catching both diseases at once. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges people to get immunized against the seasonal flu by the end of October, especially those at higher risk of complications including pregnant women, older adults and young children. Individuals should check with their doctor if they have any concerns or questions about receiving a flu vaccine.

“With flu season approaching during COVID-19, there has never been a more important time for everyone to get a flu vaccination,” said Susan Fleischman, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. “We are committed to helping community members to stay healthy, protecting them and their family and friends from the likelihood of serious illness.” 

To help increase awareness of the importance of the flu vaccine and the drive-thru flu shot clinics, L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise have enlisted the support of partners committed to keeping our communities healthy, including: Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, SoCalGas, Los Angeles Football Club, Exposition Park, Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, East Los Angeles College, Weingart YMCA Wellness & Aquatic Center, Cardenas Markets, The Wellness Center at the Historic General Hospital, and Antelope Valley Partners for Health.

“SoCalGas is committed to supporting the communities we serve and our community partners like L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, during this challenging time,” said Brian Prusnek, Director of Customer Programs and Assistance at SoCalGas. “Taking health precautions like getting your flu shot is as important as ever. We also want to encourage our customers to take care of their financial wellbeing during this time by checking out our customer assistance programs. Information will be provided to those who attend the flu shot clinics on our customer assistance programs which can help customers save money and conserve energy.”

Dates and locations of the drive-thru flu shot clinics are listed below:

Friday, October 9
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pomona Catholic High School
533 W Holt Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
*Flu vaccines for 9 years and older

Saturday, October 10
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Wellness Center at Historic General Hospital
1200 N State St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
*Flu vaccines for 3 years and older

Friday, October 16
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Antelope Valley Partners in Health
44226 10th St W, Lancaster, CA 93534
*Flu vaccines for 3 years and older

Saturday, October 17
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Exposition Park
700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
*Flu vaccines for 3 years and older

Thursday, October 22
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Community Resource Center in Lynwood
3200 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262
*Flu vaccines for 6 months and older

Friday, October 23
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Recreation Park
208 Park Ave, San Fernando, CA 91340
*Flu vaccines for 3 years and older

Saturday, October 24
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
East LA College
1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754
*Flu vaccines for 9 years and older

Saturday, November 7
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Weingart YMCA Wellness & Aquatic Center
9900 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044
*Flu vaccines for 3 years and older

Saturday, November 14
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Community Resource Center in Lynwood
3200 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262
*Flu vaccines for 9 years and older

About L.A. Care Health Plan
L.A. Care Health Plan serves more than 2.2 million members in Los Angeles County, making it the largest publicly operated health plan in the country. L.A. Care offers four health coverage plans including Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Covered™, L.A. Care Cal MediConnect and the PASC-SEIU Homecare Workers Plan, all dedicated to being accountable and responsive to members. As a public entity, L.A. Care’s mission is to provide access to quality health care for L.A. County’s vulnerable and low-income communities, and to support the safety net required to achieve that purpose. L.A. Care prioritizes quality, access and inclusion, elevating health care for all of L.A. County. For more information, visit lacare.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is a managed care organization, wholly owned by Blue Shield of California, offering Medi-Cal, Cal MediConnect, Medicare Advantage HMO, and Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans. It is led by healthcare professionals with a “members-first” philosophy and committed to building a quality network of providers and partnering with community organizations for more than 400,000 members. For more information about Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, please visit www.blueshieldca.com/promise. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit www.news.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

Media Contacts:
Mashi Nyssen
(626) 436-4345
mashi.nyssen@blueshieldca.com 

SOURCE Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan

Related Links

http://www.blueshieldca.com

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