In the wake of raging wildfires sweeping southern California, a peculiar revelation has come to light – the phenomenon of urban ash. As flames devour trees and vegetation, the resulting ash becomes airborne, carried by the wind to distant locations where it finally settles. While natural ash is primarily composed of organic matter from trees and brush, the scenario changes drastically when wildfires engulf homes and businesses, giving rise to a more sinister form of ash laden with toxic materials detrimental to both human health and wildlife. This hazardous variant, known as Urban Ash, contains a potent mix of heavy metals like lead and arsenic, along with asbestos fibers, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and microplastics, as elucidated by Julie Dinasquet from Scripps Oceanography. She warns, “These fires present a significant threat to human and ecosystem health by introducing a substantial amount of toxic substances into the environment.”
Scientists have discovered traces of this toxic ash up to 100 miles offshore, with some particles reaching several inches in diameter. The repercussions of inhaling smoke and ash from wildfires, compounded by the presence of hazardous pollutants from structural materials, are manifold and alarming. From respiratory ailments to severe conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s, preterm birth, and various forms of cancer, the health risks associated with wildfire smoke and ash are both immediate and long-lasting.
To safeguard yourself and your loved ones, here are some crucial steps to mitigate the impacts of wildfire smoke and ash:
– Monitor air quality index levels in your vicinity regularly.
– Refrain from engaging in strenuous outdoor activities during periods of heightened pollution.
– Opt for recirculating air in your vehicle to minimize exposure to smoke while traveling.
– Utilize a well-fitting mask when outdoors, with N95 or P100 masks offering optimal protection, although KN95 masks can also be effective.
– Keep all windows and doors closed at home to prevent ash infiltration.
– Set your HVAC system to recirculate mode and replace filters as needed.
Reporting on weather and climate phenomena for weather.com, Jennifer Gray brings her expertise in covering global weather and climate events over the past twenty years to shed light on this pressing issue.
