The American Lung Association in California is urging residents of the Bay Area to avoid burning wood this winter and to consider cleaner heating alternatives. The association highlights that while fires may hold sentimental value, wood burning significantly contributes to air pollution in the region during colder months.
Wood smoke contains fine particles that can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems such as coughing and wheezing, as well as more severe conditions like asthma attacks, heart attacks, and even premature death. These particles are small enough to bypass the body's airway defenses, entering the lungs and bloodstream where they can cause cellular damage and contribute to lung disease and cardiovascular issues.
"People with lung disease, including asthma and COPD, are particularly vulnerable to wood smoke along with older adults, those with diabetes, and individuals with cardiovascular disease," said Ricardo Guzman, MA, RRT, RCP. Guzman serves as a Bay Area respiratory care practitioner and volunteer spokesperson for the American Lung Association.
Children are also at high risk because their lungs do not fully develop until age 18. Exposure to elevated levels of wood smoke can impair lung function and increase the risk of future lung diseases.
The American Lung Association has provided tips for residents to maintain better air quality this winter. For further inquiries about lung health or the effects of wood smoke exposure, individuals can contact the American Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872).
