This is an interesting study. I'm working on another little
project to collect firefighter research and put them on a site (will share at
some point). The study below will be put on the site but not saved as one of
the studies because I'm saving the research page for firefighting methods. However, if I come across a good study firefighters might be interested,
I will share. Keep in mind that forest and grass fires are common. We get a lot
of grass fires so this may apply in the area. Watch your fires so we don't have
to come out please. :)
Harvard Study Shows that Smoke Inhalation May Have a Mental Health Impact
Wildfires are a growing concern for government officials and firefighters alike. The vast majority of firefighters are volunteers and in turn put themselves at risk for others. Full and volunteer firefighters can be harmed by the smoke that leads to mental health impacts beyond the initial inhalation harm. Many firefighters get a big "whiff" of smoke and brush it off. Few would recognize the long-term mental impact that could result.
One lesson I might take from this is that whenever there is smoke that could reach firefighters, they should put on their air packs. Even if they are not using them at that moment they may need to mask up if the wind /situation changes. It is heavy equipment and one would be tempted to forego if they do not feel they will be in immediate harm but one might consider using air packs more often.
10 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase in wildfire particle
pollution was associated with8% increase in ER visits for mental health
- 15% increase in depression
- 29% increase in mood disorders
- 6% increase in anxiety
Brownstein, M. (April 4th, 2025). Exposure to wildfire smoke linked with
worsening mental health conditions. Harvard.
https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/exposure-to-wildfire-smoke-linked-with-worsening-mental-health-conditions
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