We know the particulate matter in wildfire smoke is problematic to our health. But how much should pregnant women and families with infants be concerned? Although this area of public health needs to be studied further, here's what we understand:
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A growing body of research points to the ways particulate matter from wildfire smoke may be harmful for developing fetuses and infants. New research suggests that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can move beyond a mother’s lungs into the bloodstream where it can make its way to the placenta and restrict fetal development. The effects of wildfire smoke exposure to fetal and infant development can have immediate consequences, but can also follow children into adulthood.
Because of the inherent difficulties in drawing cause and effect between wildfire smoke and health outcomes, the research is often still mixed and much more needs to be done (see research paper linked below). However, here are a few of the possible impacts researchers are finding:
These findings are based in part on excellent research done by graduate student Mattie Lehman at the University of Montana. If you are interested in detailed findings (and references of the scientific papers that are summarized therein), download and read her paper: Vulnerable Populations: Fetuses and Infants and Wildfire Smoke.
Check out our pages on strategies for reducing wildfire smoke exposure to see how you can protect against these outcomes.
[Click Here or Scroll down for our handy shareable brochure]
A growing body of research points to the ways particulate matter from wildfire smoke may be harmful for developing fetuses and infants. New research suggests that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can move beyond a mother’s lungs into the bloodstream where it can make its way to the placenta and restrict fetal development. The effects of wildfire smoke exposure to fetal and infant development can have immediate consequences, but can also follow children into adulthood.
Because of the inherent difficulties in drawing cause and effect between wildfire smoke and health outcomes, the research is often still mixed and much more needs to be done (see research paper linked below). However, here are a few of the possible impacts researchers are finding:
- Low birth weights due to stunted fetal development
- Lowered birth weights are often found to be minimal, but can cause an overall weakening of infants reducing their ability to overcome complications.
- Higher risk of fetal death and stillbirth
- Again, it should be emphasized that the added risk is relatively low and the science is still mixed on this point.
- Long-term cardiovascular health impacts
- New studies have shown that in-utero exposure to PM2.5 can cause scarring that impairs blood flow and the ability of the heart expand and contract. In other words, exposure can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
- Long-term compromised immune system functioning
- Scarring and general irritation can lead to overactive immune responses in adolescents. Children with asthma or allergies may experience more intense respiratory reactions to stimulus.
- Long-term pulmonary health consequences
- Researchers have also found significantly reduced lung capacities and worsened lung function in general. Coupled with altered immune responses, exposed children, especially those with asthma, have significantly decreased pulmonary health.
These findings are based in part on excellent research done by graduate student Mattie Lehman at the University of Montana. If you are interested in detailed findings (and references of the scientific papers that are summarized therein), download and read her paper: Vulnerable Populations: Fetuses and Infants and Wildfire Smoke.
Check out our pages on strategies for reducing wildfire smoke exposure to see how you can protect against these outcomes.
