As the world warms, disasters collide. That¡¯s happening right now, as health experts warn that exposure to wildfire smoke across North America increases the risks of catching COVID-19 and worsens the impacts for people who already have or are particularly susceptible to the virus.
¡°Exposure to air pollution from wildfire smoke can increase susceptibility to COVID and other respiratory diseases,¡± says Kristie Ebi, a climate and health professor at the University of Washington.
Here¡¯s how it works: Wildfire smoke contains very small particles called PM 2.5, which can get inhaled and stuck in the body, causing irritation and ultimately affecting the immune system. These particles can ¡°make you more prone to lung infections, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,¡± warns the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on its Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19 webpage.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.