Montrose, L. (2020, April 15). Wildfire smoke worsens coronavirus risk, putting firefighters in extra danger. Retrieved August 26, 2020, from https://theconversation.com/wildfire-smoke-worsens-coronavirus-risk-putting-firefighters-in-extra-danger-136016

Wildfire Smoke Worsens Coronavirus Risk, Putting Firefighters in Extra Danger

Research shows that air pollution leads to acute health issues such as immunosuppression and inflammation. Paired with the threat of COVID-19, the wildfire smoke and consequently, severe air pollution, could potentially increase a population's susceptibility to COVID-19. 

Wildfire Smoke Causing Possible Amplifications of COVID-19

High concentrations of smoke and dangerous air quality indexes caused by wildfires can increase the COVID-19 risk for groups of individuals such as firefighters or individuals living in nearby cities or evacuation zones. Research has shown that smoke and air pollution could increase the risk that individuals would develop more severe symptoms of the virus.

University of California, Davis

Varying environmental conditions could increase the risk for some groups of individuals to be exposed to COVID-19. Example environmental conditions include:   
 - Rain 
 - Wildfires

Impact of Environmental Conditions on COVID-19

Effect of Wildfires on Individuals during COVID-19 Pandemic

The rainy season often brings about seasonal influenza and symptoms such as a cold or fever, which resemble some of those symptoms characterized by COVID-19. Viral activity is heightened during this rainy season as well, posing a threat for individuals getting exposed to COVID-19. 

Rainy Season Effect on Individuals during the COVID-19 Pandemic 

- American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) 
- Iventi Journals 

Learn Before

Related

Learn After