CU Boulder Study Links Wildfire Smoke to Mental Health Issues in Youth
Exploring the Effects of Wildfires on Youth Mental Health
BOULDER, Colo. — A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder uncovered a link between wildfire smoke exposure and mental illness in youth. Researchers examined data from 10,000 children aged 9 to 11 from across the country and correlated it with ambient air pollution levels.
The main finding was that in both boys and girls, a higher number of days above the EPA standards was associated with increased anxiety and depression symptoms, said Harry Smolker, the lead author of the report published in August. The EPA sets a standard for permissible pollution levels in the air before it poses potential dangers. This study focused on fine particulate air pollution, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers.
The size of these particles is crucial as they can enter the lungs, pass into the bloodstream, and potentially affect brain function. Smolker explained, “Fine particulate air pollution may be particularly harmful as it can penetrate directly into the brain and impact neural tissue.” These pollutants result primarily from combustion sources, notably wildfires.
Smolker added, “Since the Clean Air Act in the 1970s, average levels of fine particulate air pollution in this country have decreased; however, the rise in frequency and severity of wildfires has led to more extreme pollution events.”
The research found a small correlation between the number of days exceeding EPA safety standards and reported mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Specifically, every 10 days above these standards coincided with approximately a 1.5% increase in reported mental illnesses. Furthermore, the study indicated that exposure to fine particulate air pollution had distinct implications for mental distress in girls.
Experts recommend staying indoors to minimize exposure on highly polluted days and utilizing indoor HEPA filters to reduce pollutants. If outdoor activities are unavoidable, it's wise to limit physical exertion and consider wearing an N95 mask.
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