Forest fires leave devastating damage - long-term consequences for human health

Forest fires cause devastating damage - and can even have long-term consequences for humans. Small fine dust particles can reach deep into the lungs and even into the blood. There is a fire in the High Fens - that also has consequences for the people in Monschau.

Photo: Max Lametz/dpa

Monschau. Forest fires are not only dangerous because of their destructive flames - the resulting smoke also poses a health risk. The city of Monschau has recommended its citizens to leave their houses and apartments for precisely this reason.

What can the smoke cause?

The plumes of smoke created by forest fires are a complex mixture of different gases and very fine particles that arise when trees, bushes, but also buildings and other materials burn. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fine dust particles called PM2.5 are particularly worrying because they can be inhaled and reach deep into the lungs.

This in turn can cause coughing, eye and throat problems, headaches or breathlessness. Since the particles can even enter the bloodstream, they can in principle affect all human organs. According to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), the particles trigger inflammation and stress in cells. Depending on how long this lasts, illnesses can result. According to the UBA, cardiovascular diseases as well as dementia or type II diabetes are also associated with fine dust.

Who is particularly at risk?

According to the WHO, symptoms could worsen in people with asthma, chronic lung or heart disease. In addition, older people, babies and children are at greater risk than others; the lungs of the little ones are still developing. Disabled people and pregnant women also belong to the risk groups - and last but not least, emergency services who are on the front line fighting the fires.

How close to the fire will it be dangerous for people?

Because different weather conditions - such as wind - but also different personal reactions to pollutants play a role, it is not possible to set a general safe distance from forest fires, writes the Federal Environment Agency. However, as the distance to the burning area increases, the likelihood of acute effects from smoke exposure decreases. From a few hundred meters onwards, the effects of fine dust described above would be more relevant.

The WHO points out that smoke from forest fires can spread across large regions and even countries or continents and significantly worsen the air quality of places in the corresponding wind direction - even for people who live far away.

What can you do to protect yourself?

The WHO advises: Follow recommendations from local authorities. Stay indoors if possible and keep windows and doors closed. Do not use air conditioners in a mode where they let in outside air and circulate it indoors. Wear an FFP2 mask outside. If you have symptoms, seek medical advice.