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California's wildfires are increasing in size and frequency, contributing to the massive amounts of smoke. State boards Call it a “growing public health problem.” New research links This suggests that long-term exposure to wildfire smoke may significantly increase the risk of dementia compared to other sources of air pollution.
The findings come from data on more than 1.2 million people 60 and older in Southern California from 2009 to 2019. The results, currently under peer review, will be reported at the 2024 Alzheimer's Association International Conference.
The researchers measured the effects of PM2.5 – air pollutants 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter – from wildfire smoke as well as other sources such as motor vehicles and factories.
They found a stronger link between PM2.5 than bushfires and dementia diagnoses. Specifically, for every 1 microgram of PM2.5 concentration per cubic meter of air, the risk of dementia in a person exposed to wildfire smoke increased by 21 percent on average over a three-year period. Compared to other sources of PM2.5 pollution, the risk of a dementia diagnosis increased by 3 percent over a three-year average increase of 3 micrograms per cubic meter of air.
The study found that the association between wildfire smoke and mental illness diagnoses was greater among racial and ethnic minority groups and among people living in high poverty.
“There is very little previous literature showing a link between exposure to ambient air pollution and dementia, but there is very limited research on how wildfire PM2.5 is specifically related to dementia,” said the paper's editor, Dr. Holly Elser, an epidemiologist and resident physician in neurology at the University of Pennsylvania.
“As wildfire events become more intense, more frequent, and occur in places outside of the western US, we felt that this was an important source of air pollution that could be a risk factor for dementia.”
Previous research High levels of PM2.5 pollutants have been shown to increase the risk of dementia, heart disease, asthma and low birth weight.
“When you breathe in [PM2.5]They enter your bloodstream through your lungs, says Dr. Maria Carrillo, chief science officer and medical affairs leader at the Alzheimer's Association.
Breathing in toxic substances such as PM2.5 has been shown Studies To increase amyloid in the brain and these particles create an unfavorable environment for our brain cells, contributing to inflammation and damage. Amyloid build-up is linked to disruption of nerve cell function and cognitive decline, and may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's, a type of dementia.
Exposure to environmental shocks such as wildfires can also elicit ongoing cognitive changes due to the stressful nature of these events, Elser said.
“That depression and anxiety disorder can mask pre-existing neurodegenerative dementia or cognitive changes,” she said.
The frequency of extreme fire weather days in California has more than doubled since the early 1980s, due to forces such as strong sea breezes and dry vegetation, and climate change. Previous studies.
According to a 2016 study, PM2.5 from wildfires accounted for more than 70% of total PM2.5 exposure in California. Research 2004-2009 worst air quality days in the state.
So are wildfires He broke records In the year Around the world in 2023, Canada is experiencing the highest carbon emissions from wildfires in decades, while Greece has seen the largest wildfires in European Union history.
“Wildfire events not only continue to be an important source of air pollution in the western United States, but they are becoming increasingly important in parts of the US and parts of the world where they are not always common,” Elser said, referring to large wildfires. in Canada and Hawaii in 2023.
People can protect themselves from air pollution, including wildfire smoke, by staying indoors on days with poor air quality. Smartphone weather apps are an easy way to test this quality, Elser says. When the level is above 100, the air is not healthy to breathe.
Indoor air filtration systems, including box fan air circulation, can also significantly improve indoor air quality, she said.
However, when the air quality is low, not everyone can avoid the outdoors. If so, the authors of the new paper suggest using a fit N95 or KN95 mask to reduce PM2.5 exposure.
“The social determinants of health are very wrapped up in this. Recommendations on what to do to avoid it [air pollutants] They are more difficult for people from low socio-economic backgrounds who have no control over their environment,” Carrillo added.
Additionally, the study recommends that people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, who are exposed to the negative effects of smoke, consult with a health professional to prepare for wildfire conditions.
“Over the past several years to decades, there has been an increasing interest in identifying risk factors for dementia,” Elser said.
“Our paper emphasizes [wildfire smoke] It can be useful for every patient and their provider who want to know what steps they can take.