California Wildfires Will Affect the Health of Millions – How to Protect Yourself

The wildfires currently raging across California are more than an environmental catastrophe—they represent a profound public health crisis. As of January 9, 2025, these fires have scorched over 28,000 acres, including 17,234 acres consumed by the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County alone. With at least five fatalities and 130,000 residents evacuated, the human toll is devastating. Beyond the immediate destruction, these wildfires pose significant short- and long-term health risks, affecting both physical and mental well-being.

Health Risks from Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke is a toxic cocktail of pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. This can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular complications. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Particulate matter in smoke is significant because it does irritate the bronchials, the small tubes that go down into your lungs and connect to the alveoli, which are the sacs that allow you to breathe.” Short-term effects include:

  • Respiratory Irritation: Burning eyes, scratchy throats, and runny noses are common.
  • Serious Illnesses: Conditions such as bronchitis and asthma attacks can escalate rapidly.

Vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, pregnant people, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions—are particularly at risk. Dr. Bob Lahita, a rheumatologist, emphasizes that even “short-term exposure of just a few days can have serious impacts.”

Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 has also been linked to increased risks of dementia, heart disease, and even cancer. A 2024 study involving over one million Californians identified “a strong correlation between PM2.5 exposure and future dementia diagnoses.” Additionally, wildfire smoke often contains harmful substances from burning homes and vehicles, including chemicals, metals, and plastics. These toxins can intensify respiratory conditions and even increase the risk of long-term illnesses like lung cancer and brain tumors.

Mental Health Implications

Mental health consequences often emerge in the aftermath of wildfires. Those who lose homes, loved ones, or livelihoods are at a heightened risk of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Sarah Lowe, associate professor of social and behavioral sciences at Yale School of Public Health, notes, “When disaster like this is unfolding, it makes sense to prioritize people’s lives and mortality, but over time, we have to think about mental health consequences too.”

First responders face unique challenges. Studies indicate that approximately 20% of firefighters and paramedics develop PTSD at some point in their careers, compared to just 6.8% in the general population. According to Dr. Ian Stanley from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, “It can really begin to eat away at, not just the person’s well-being, but also the social environment in which they live.” Untreated PTSD can lead to substance abuse, strained relationships, and chronic health problems.

Even those indirectly affected—such as individuals living in smoky areas—may experience heightened anxiety and stress. A 2024 Emory University study found that “wildfire smoke was linked with emergency department visits for anxiety disorders, with higher risks among girls, women, and older adults.”

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

Protecting your health during wildfire events requires proactive measures:

Reduce Exposure to Smoke

  1. Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor activities and keep windows and doors closed.
  2. Use Air Purifiers: Invest in portable air cleaners with HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality.
  3. Upgrade HVAC Filters: Ensure home HVAC systems are equipped with high-quality filters.
  4. Create a Clean Room: Designate a room in your home where air quality is optimized and activities like cooking are avoided.

Protect Yourself Outdoors

  1. Wear Masks: Use N95 respirators to reduce inhalation of harmful particles. Cloth masks and scarves are less effective but better than nothing.
  2. Monitor Air Quality: Check resources like AirNow.gov for real-time updates and advisories.

Minimize Indoor Pollutants

  1. Avoid burning candles, frying foods, or using aerosol sprays.
  2. Run air conditioning systems on recirculation to limit outdoor air intake.

Support Mental Health

  • Limit exposure to distressing news and social media.
  • Engage in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
  • Seek professional mental health support if experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

Dr. Jace Reed, director of emergency psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai, advises friends and family to check in on loved ones, using “the 3 Hs: Do you want to be helped? Do you want to be hugged? Or do you want to be heard?”

Addressing Long-Term Risks

The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires are inextricably linked to climate change. Prolonged smoke exposure can exacerbate chronic health conditions, disrupt communities, and strain public health systems. Vulnerable populations—including lower-income groups and communities of color—are disproportionately affected due to existing health disparities and limited access to resources.

Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County’s health officer, highlights the widespread risks, stating, “Predicting where ash or soot from a fire will travel, or how winds will impact air quality, is difficult, so it’s important for everyone to stay aware of the air quality in your area, make plans, and take action to protect your health and your family’s health.”

To mitigate these risks, policymakers and public health officials must prioritize community preparedness, improve forest management practices, and expand mental health services. Individual actions, such as reducing personal exposure and supporting affected communities, are equally crucial.

Protecting yourself and your loved ones requires vigilance, practical steps, and a commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term health risks. As Dr. Doug Brugge of UConn School of Medicine states, “Wildfire smoke can be deadly. People should… reduce their exposure, especially if they are in a vulnerable population, such as the elderly, young children, or people with respiratory diseases.” By staying informed and prepared, we can navigate these challenging times with resilience.