Populations that Could Experience Greater Adverse Effects from Wildfire Smoke

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published information about certain life stages and populations that may be at greater risk of experiencing health effects due to wildfire smoke exposure. The agency warns these at-risk populations should be particularly diligent about limiting exposure to wildfire smoke because evidence indicates that the risk of fine particle-related health effects varies throughout a lifetime.

EPA’s list of at-risk populations includes the following:

• People with asthma and other respiratory diseases - Air pollution, such as wildfire smoke, may not affect healthy people, but for people with chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, it can lead to breathing difficulties and trigger exacerbations of their disease.
  
  
• People with cardiovascular disease - Diseases of the circulatory system can put individuals at increased risk of cardiovascular-related events triggered by air pollutants.
  
  
• Children (under 18 years of age) - All children, even those with no pre-existing illness or chronic conditions, are considered sensitive to air pollution, including wildfire smoke.
  
  
• Pregnant women - During pregnancy, physiologic changes, such as higher respiratory rates and increases in blood and plasma volumes, increase one’s vulnerability to environmental exposures. Additionally, during critical windows of human development, exposure to wildfire smoke may harm the developing fetus.
  
  
• Older adults - Older adults are at increased risk of health effects from short-term exposures to wildfire smoke because of their higher prevalence of pre-existing lung and heart diseases, and because important physiologic processes, including defense mechanisms, decline with age.
  
  
• Outdoor workers - Extended periods of time exposed to high concentrations of wildfire smoke could result in a range of health effects depending on the underlying health status of the worker.
  
  

“People’s health, even miles from the flames, can be a concern,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It’s also important to note that wildfire smoke can make its way indoors where smoke residues can cause damage to electronics, and cause corrosion, etching, and discoloration on surfaces.”

With dozens of laboratories across North America, the experts at EMSL Analytical offer air, smoke damage, residue, and odor testing. These services can help property owners, tenants, environmental experts, insurance companies, and public adjusters. They also provide sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, an easy-to-use Fire & Smoke Damage Test Kit, and a wide range of respirators and other personal protective equipment. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about wildfire smoke and populations that could experience greater risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/cAJtHCGXtRg

To learn more about smoke damage or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail