Are You Impacted By This?
Over the past couple of weeks, there have been an abundant amount of wildfires in California. We first saw these California wildfires in mid-september and they have continued since then. These wildfires have destroyed homes, burned large acres of land containing wildlife habitat and timber, and have had huge health consequences on many people near these wildfires.
Wildfires produce a great deal of smoke resulting in hazardous pollution levels. Due to this amount of pollution, many elders have needed to visit the emergency rooms frequently because of all the smoke in their lungs. Smoke in people’s lungs causes numerous health issues, such as difficulty to breathe and excessive coughing. Studies have shown correlations between smoke exposure and decreased lung function, weaker immune systems, and higher rates of flu. Which is why many people suspect a portion of elders have died from heart attacks triggered by the poor air quality from the wildfires.
Along with Covid-19, these wildfires have sparked many concerns from a large number of people because it is crucial to maintain a strong immune and respiratory system during a time like this. However, all of the pollution has made it extremely difficult for people to stay healthy and safe. Since Covid-19 is typically spread from one person to another by coughing, sneezing, or talking, the smoke has caused Covid-19 cases to increase throughout California. With this, hospital rooms are filled with numerous people in critical condition from Covid-19 and poor air quality.
Therefore, it is still vital to wear face masks while in public and to cover our mouths while coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Although it may be difficult for those living in California to take care of themselves with these ongoing wildfires, it is imperative to keep yourself and those around you strong and healthy.
Kalena Dawson 11/2020