Analysis: in addition to the direct risk wildfires pose to life and property, they also impact the air that we are breathing in our homes
An unfortunate consequence of the changing climate has been that even Ireland is no longer safe from wildfires. The issue has become serious enough to require an active "management of Ireland's flammable landscape". In addition to the direct risk that such fires pose to life and property, they also impact the air that we are breathing. Since the smoke from wildfires can travel hundreds of kilometers from their point of origin, they can impact the air quality on a wider scale, around the whole island.
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From RTE Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne in June 2023, Dublin Fire Brigade's Darren O'Connor on the increasing number of wildfires in Ireland
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of fine particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5) and harmful gases (volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide). The composition of wildfire smoke which you are exposed to varies with what is burning, the weather and your distance from the fire. Acute symptoms from exposure to smoke can be coughing, sore throat, runny nose, stinging eyes, irritated sinuses, breathing difficulty, headaches and fatigue.
The consequences are worse for vulnerable people such as those with asthma or heart disease, children, the elderly and pregnant women. Hospital visits related to respiratory illness have been seen to increase during wildfires. The fine particulate matter can also enter deeper into our body, affect multiple organ systems, cause inflammation and impact the immune system.
During a wildfire, we need to follow the advice from local authorities, be aware of advisories being given and be prepared to evacuate if the situation unfortunately gets there. We can also stay informed of the local air quality through local news and air quality monitoring sites. We need to be aware that the smoke can leak into a building through small openings and cracks (called infiltration), enter through open doors and windows, wall vents and through the mechanical ventilation system (if your building has one). Due to gradual accumulation indoors, as opposed to the wide dispersion outdoors, indoor air quality can potentially get worse than even the outdoor air quality during wildfires.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Countrywide, Dr. Fiona Cawkwell from UCC, Dr. Klara Finkele from Met Eireann; and Ciaran Nugent from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the impact of wildfires
To minimise exposure, we can plan our activities to mostly stay indoors. If you need to go outdoors, use of N95 or better grade respirators needs to be considered. After you return, shower and wash your clothes so that you can scrub off any pollutants that may have deposited on your skin and clothing. Absorption through skin can be an important mode of exposure to air pollutants.
To minimise outside air coming in, doors and windows would need to be kept closed. The outside air intake of mechanical ventilation systems would also need to be shut down or used with high efficiency filters. Home mechanical ventilation systems can be set to full recirculation mode. At the same time, avoid activities that can increase indoor pollution like smoking, burning candles or incense. Remember to use the cooking hoods while cooking. Limit any strenuous activity as physical activity increases inhalation risks.
If outdoor conditions get worse or if there are vulnerable family members, consider creating a "safe air" room at home. A room without any external walls, doors and windows can serve this purpose. Indoor air quality can be enhanced by using portable air cleaners in the room. Due consideration needs to be given to choosing an air cleaner that suits your room size and your needs.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, Prof Tim McCarthy from Maynooth University on the Co-Pilot AI project to deal with wildfires
In addition to the risk from poor indoor air quality, such fires also expose people to added heat stress. Staying hydrated, using air conditioning or fans, and wearing light and loose clothing are advisable. Showering to cool down and washing nose and gargling with clean water also helps.
Once the fire has been controlled, we still need to be vigilant of air quality reports since the smoke can linger for days. When the outdoor air quality improves to pre-fire levels, doors and windows can be opened to air out homes. A consequence of the smoke pollution is fine particulate matter and other air pollutants get deposited on indoor surfaces. These need to be cleaned up carefully so that they do not later get resuspended in the air and harm your indoor air quality. Vulnerable groups should not be part of such clean-up activities.
Protective gear like N95 respirator, googles, long-sleeved shirts and full-length trousers should be worn to avoid inhalation and dermal exposure. Using water before sweeping, wet mopping, and vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters can help avoid resuspension of these accumulated air pollutants.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, new service from the EPA allows people to check Irish air quality
Both during and after a fire, we need to be vigilant for ourselves, family members and neighbours, check health symptoms and seek medical help if reequired. Be especially careful about vulnerable people and people with pre-existing conditions like asthma, COPD and heart disease. A wildfire can also cause stress and anxiety which we need to be aware of and seek support if needed.
In the longer run, we need to be prepared for such fires during the summer. Acquiring a suitable portable air cleaner for your home, installing a mechanical ventilation system and consulting with engineers to adjust your ventilation system and adding appropriate filters can help reduce your indoor exposure to wildfire generated pollutants.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
