Smoke from Wildfires and Air Quality: How AI Is Improving Public Health during Wildfire Season

 How To Reduce Negative Wildfire Smoke Effects During Wildfire Season

 

Wildfires are a major concern for many countries around the world, including the United States. Wildfire season in the United States usually occurs during the summer months when hot and dry weather conditions create the perfect environment for fires to ignite and spread. Wildfires not only cause significant damage to the environment, but also pose a serious threat to public health. In recent years, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shown great promise in improving the management and control of wildfires, reducing their negative impacts on air quality and public health. 
In this post, we will look at wildfire smoke health effects and how AI helps mitigate wildfire’s negative influence. 

Wildfire Season in the USA and the Most Endangered State

Wildfire season in the United States typically runs from May through October, with peak activity occurring between July and September. According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), from 2011 to 2020, California experienced the highest number of wildfires, with a total of 55,603 fires reported. Other states with high wildfire activity during the same period include Texas (41,579), Georgia (28,571), Florida (28,062), and North Carolina (27,807).

The amount of smoke released into the atmosphere during wildfire season is significant, and the negative impact of this smoke on people can be substantial.

Check out our full post dedicated to the top 5 states in the US that are most affected by wildfires. In the post, we cover the causes of wildfires in those states, prevention methods used, and more detailed information. 

 

 

Smoke from Wildfires and Its Effects on Humans

Wildfires are a common and natural occurrence in many ecosystems around the world. They play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health, regulating nutrient cycles, and promoting biodiversity. However, when they occur in areas where human settlements are located, wildfires can have significant negative consequences.
One of the most significant consequences of wildfires is the smoke they produce. There are several ways to classify the effects of smoke from wildfires. The two major categories for the impact of wildfire smoke are “direct” and “indirect.” 

 

Direct effects of smoke from wildfires: air pollution and health

The connection between air quality and wildfires is significant, as wildfires can have a profound impact on air quality in the areas where they occur. Wildfire smoke contains a complex mixture of gases and particles that can have serious health impacts on individuals who are exposed to it. These impacts can be felt not only in the immediate vicinity of the wildfire, but also in areas far downwind, where the smoke can be carried by prevailing winds.

The particles in smoke, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exposure to wildfire smoke can also exacerbate existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, leading to increased hospitalizations and even premature deaths. Children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to the negative health impacts of smoke from wildfires.

The severity and extent of the impacts of wildfires on air quality depend on a range of factors, including the size and intensity of the wildfire, prevailing wind patterns, and the location of a wildfire in relation to human settlements. Smoke from wildfires can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles, impacting air quality in areas far from the source of a wildfire. This means that even if a wildfire is not directly impacting a particular area, the smoke it produces can still have a significant impact on air quality in that area.

The effects of smoke from wildfires on human health can be short-term or long-term and can vary in severity depending on a range of factors, including the concentration and duration of exposure. Here are the most common consequences of exposure to the smoke from wildfires.

  • Smoke from wildfires and respiratory problems
    Smoke from wildfires contains a complex mixture of gases and particles, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that can irritate the respiratory system. Exposure to wildfire smoke can cause a range of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These symptoms are particularly pronounced in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In some cases, exposure to wildfire smoke can also lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a life-threatening condition in which the lungs become severely inflamed and filled with fluid.

  • Smoke from wildfires and cardiovascular problems
    Exposure to wildfire smoke can also have negative impacts on cardiovascular health. The particles in smoke can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, leading to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are particularly vulnerable to these effects.

  • Smoke from wildfires and reproductive problems
    Exposure to air pollution can also have negative impacts on reproductive health. For example, exposure to high levels of air pollution has been linked to a range of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Exposure to air pollution can also impact male and female fertility.

  • Smoke from wildfires and neurological problems
    Air pollution can also have negative impacts on neurological health. The particles in air pollution can enter the brain through the bloodstream, causing inflammation and damage to the brain tissue. This can lead to a range of neurological problems, including cognitive impairment, dementia, and Parkinson's disease.

  • Smoke from wildfires and cancer
    Exposure to air pollution has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The particles in air pollution can damage DNA and other cellular structures, leading to the development of cancerous tumors.

  • Smoke from wildfires, allergies, and asthma
    Air pollution can also trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. In addition, exposure to air pollution has been linked to the development of allergies and other immune-related conditions.

  • Smoke from wildfires, eye irritation, and skin irritation
    Smoke from wildfires can irritate the eyes and skin, causing redness, itching, and irritation. In some cases, exposure to smoke can also lead to conjunctivitis (pink eye), a condition in which the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye becomes inflamed.

  • Smoke from wildfires, headaches, and dizziness
    Exposure to smoke from wildfires can also cause headaches and dizziness, particularly in individuals who are sensitive to air pollution. These symptoms are often accompanied by fatigue, weakness, and a general feeling of malaise.

  • Smoke from wildfires and increased risk of infections
    Exposure to wildfire smoke can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis. This is particularly true for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, as well as children and older adults.

  • Smoke from wildfires and psychological effects
    Wildfires can also have significant psychological impacts on individuals and communities affected by them. The stress and trauma of evacuation, displacement, and loss can lead to a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

For more on the effects of wildfires on the ecosystem and human health, read the article “Wildfires and Forests: How Wildfires Affect Our Health and Our Planet”. 

 

Indirect effects of smoke from wildfires

In addition to the direct effects of wildfire smoke on human health, there are also indirect effects that can have negative impacts on overall health and well-being. These indirect effects can arise from a range of factors, including changes in lifestyle and access to healthcare. Smoke from wildfires can also lead to road accidents and flight cancellations, causing disruptions to daily life and commerce.

  • Lifestyle changes
    Wildfires can force people to make significant changes to their daily routines and lifestyles. For example, individuals may be forced to evacuate their homes and seek temporary shelter elsewhere, disrupting their normal routines and exposing them to new stressors. This can lead to changes in diet, exercise, and other health behaviors, which can have negative impacts on overall health and well-being.

  • Healthcare access
    Wildfires can also impact access to healthcare, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. For example, wildfires may lead to road closures or evacuations that make it difficult for individuals to access healthcare facilities. In addition, healthcare facilities may be overwhelmed by an influx of patients with respiratory problems or other wildfire-related health issues, leading to longer wait times and reduced quality of care.

  • Economic impacts
    Wildfires can also have significant economic impacts, which can in turn impact health and well-being. For example, wildfires can lead to job losses and economic disruptions, which can have negative impacts on mental health and overall well-being. In addition, the cost of fighting wildfires and rebuilding affected communities can be substantial, diverting resources away from other health and social programs.

Wildfires bring economic disaster not only to individuals but also to governments. If you want to know how much the economy of the USA loses yearly because of wildfires, check out our previous post: The Economic Costs of US Wildfires: Analyzing the Impacts on Local Communities and Industries.

 

 

How to Minimize the Effects of Smoke from Wildfires on Human Health

As indicated by the information presented above, minimizing smoke from wildfires is of utmost importance. 
There are several strategies that can be employed to reduce the negative impacts of wildfires on air quality and public health. These strategies include reducing the frequency and severity of wildfires, improving air quality monitoring and warning systems, and providing better access to medical care for those affected by wildfire smoke. Prevention efforts such as controlled burns and forest thinning can help reduce the fuel available for wildfires, making them less likely to occur and less severe when they do. Improved air quality monitoring and warning systems can help individuals make informed decisions about when to stay indoors and avoid exposure to smoke. Access to medical care for those affected by wildfire smoke is also essential, including the provision of respiratory masks and other protective equipment.
Recent advancements in AI technology have shown promise in improving the management and control of wildfires, reducing their negative impacts on air quality and public health. Here are the main AI technologies used for mitigating the negative influence of wildfire smoke.

 

Early detection of wildfires

AI technologies are being used to develop improved wildfire detection systems, which can help identify wildfires before they become large and unmanageable. This can help reduce the amount of smoke produced by wildfires, mitigating their negative impacts on air quality and human health. For example, AI-powered cameras can detect wildfires in their early stages, allowing for a more rapid response from firefighting teams. Because wildfires can be detected and responded to earlier, the amount of smoke produced can be reduced, mitigating their negative impacts on air quality and human health.

There are several ways in which AI-powered cameras help minimize smoke from wildfires.

  • AI-powered cameras and early wildfire detection
    AI-powered cameras detect wildfires in their early stages before they become large and unmanageable. This allows firefighting teams to respond more quickly and effectively, reducing the amount of smoke produced by a fire. By detecting fires early, AI-powered cameras can also help prevent them from spreading and causing further damage to the environment and nearby communities.

  • AI-powered cameras and precision monitoring
    AI-powered cameras can monitor wildfires with a high level of precision, providing accurate information about size, location, and intensity. This information can be used to develop more effective firefighting strategies, reducing the amount of smoke produced and minimizing the negative impacts on air quality and human health. In addition, AI-powered cameras can monitor the movement of smoke, providing real-time information about air quality in different areas and allowing individuals and communities to take appropriate protective measures.

  • Autonomous operating AI-powered cameras
    AI-powered cameras can operate autonomously, without the need for human intervention. This means that they can operate in remote and hazardous areas, providing critical information about wildfires and smoke production. By operating autonomously, AI-powered cameras can also reduce the risk of injury to firefighting personnel, allowing them to focus on more critical tasks.

  • AI-powered cameras and real-time data analysis
    AI-powered cameras can analyze data in real time, providing immediate feedback on the status of wildfires and smoke production. This allows firefighting teams to adjust their strategies quickly and effectively, minimizing the negative impacts on air quality and human health. In addition, real-time data analysis can help identify patterns and trends in wildfire behavior, allowing for more effective long-term planning and prevention strategies.

ALCHERA's FireScout is an innovative fire and smoke detection solution that offers all of the functions mentioned above and more. In addition to daytime detection, FireScout can detect fires at night using IR cameras with 91% accuracy. FireScout is the only 24/7 fire and smoke detection solution on the market, and it's a cloud-based solution that's easy to use and implement. With FireScout, an unlimited number of cameras can be connected without any additional installations.

One of the biggest advantages of FireScout is that it gets smarter over time. Our fire and smoke detection system collects image and video data and uses it to improve its detection algorithms. This means that as FireScout is used, it continues to get better and more accurate. FireScout brings the confidence of a cutting-edge solution that won't become outdated.

 

Air quality monitoring and warning systems

AI technologies are also being used to develop improved air quality monitoring and warning systems, which can help individuals make informed decisions about when to stay indoors and avoid exposure to smoke. For example, AI algorithms can analyze air quality data in real time and provide individuals with personalized recommendations on how to reduce their exposure to smoke.

 

Personalized health monitoring

AI technologies are being used to develop personalized health monitoring systems, which can help individuals track their exposure to smoke and monitor their health in real time. For example, wearable devices equipped with sensors and AI algorithms can detect changes in respiratory function and alert individuals when they need to take steps to protect themselves from smoke.

 

Smoke prediction and forecasting

AI technologies are being used to develop improved smoke prediction and forecasting systems, which can help individuals and communities prepare for and respond to the negative impacts of smoke from wildfires. For example, AI models can predict the movement of smoke and provide real-time information on air quality in different areas, allowing individuals and communities to make informed decisions about when to evacuate or take other protective measures.

AI-based smoke and fire detection technologies are innovative and effective tools for minimizing smoke from wildfires. By detecting fires early, providing precise monitoring, operating autonomously, and analyzing data in real time, AI-powered technologies can help reduce the negative impacts of smoke from wildfires on air quality and human health. 
As the frequency and severity of wildfires continue to increase, AI is likely to become an increasingly important tool for protecting communities and the environment from the negative impacts of smoke from wildfires.

If you are interested in getting the latest AI fire and smoke detection solution, reach out to our team of AI specialists. And don't forget to keep following our blog for the latest and most interesting information about AI technologies.

...

...