Wildfire and asthma - The prospective interventions

Abstract

The increasing global warming trend has led to a drier landscape, which has in turn resulted in an increased incidence of wildfires. The smoke emanating from these fires has consequences that extend beyond the loss of property. This comes with the wildfire season whose smoke emanations have implications beyond loss of property. Among the health concerns regarding wildfires and smoke are respiratory diseases, such as asthma. Asthma, as a heterogeneous disease, is directly linked to other types of smoke rather than cigarettes, traffic exhaust, and industrial chemicals. Wildfires have been shown to be associated with particulate matter that act as pollutants to human life. The unprecedented increase in emergency visits during wildfire seasons is of clinical significance for its association with asthma and other pulmonary disorders. Despite the efforts of wealthy communities or nations, which have faced episodes of wildfires in recent years, the most effective protocol is yet to be developed. Given the vulnerability of individuals, including asthmatics, to the smoke from wildfires, interventions should extend beyond emergency measures. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between wildfires and asthma symptoms, exploring the underlying mechanisms both in vitro and in vivo. It also delves into the potential implications for science policies, communication strategies, research directions, and management strategies for asthma cases, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures. Furthermore, this review serves as a guideline for various sectors, offering a clear conceptual rationale for preventing and managing wildfire smoke-related asthma and other pulmonary diseases. The interventions are multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary concerns, and given the transboundary nature of smoke, it is imperative for all relevant parties to collaborate to minimize preventable deaths.