As wildfires raged across Europe this summer, destroying hundreds of thousands of hectares, the World Health Organization has warned that their impact extends far beyond the flames themselves.
Smoke from wildfires can travel hundreds, even thousands, of kilometres, the WHO said, exposing communities far from the fires to dangerous levels of air pollution.
Exposure is particularly hazardous for people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease and heart disease.
Children and babies, older people, pregnant women and some people with disabilities may be less able to cope with polluted air, the WHO said, while emergency responders and outdoor workers face heightened risk by virtue of their exposure.
As climate change drives hotter, drier conditions, the WHO warned, the risk of wildfires — and the health impacts of the smoke they produce — will only continue to rise.
Even where smoke cannot be smelled, the organisation cautioned, wildfires can change direction suddenly, and advised the public to follow local health updates and advisories closely.
