Stanford child support experts share how to protect children from wildfire dangers and health risks.
Wildfire smoke is estimated to be 10 times more harmful to children than regular air pollution. This is thought to be associated with an increased risk of premature birth, asthma, and respiratory disease in children, along with an increased risk of cancer. Climate change is making wildfires more frequent and more dangerous. Dr. Lisa Patel, a pediatrician at Stanford University and clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the Stanford School of Medicine, emphasizes the steps families should take to protect their children and keep them safe.
Know when it’s not safe to be outdoors
When wildfire smoke fills the air, it is critical to protect your family, especially vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Here are important steps to keep the air in your home as clean as possible on days when air quality is poor.
Check your air quality regularly. Monitor the air quality in your area using AirNow.gov from your phone or computer. The higher the Air Quality Index (AQI) number, the less safe the air is to breathe. Maintain indoor air quality. Please close windows and doors as much as possible. Use an air purifier. If you don’t have one, you can create a DIY air purifier using a box fan and air filter. Guides are easily available online. Avoid indoor activities that worsen air quality. Do not smoke or burn wood, candles, or incense. When cooking on a gas stove, please use the exhaust vent. If there is no vent, avoid using the stove on days with poor air quality. If possible, consider switching to an induction cooktop. Please use a protective mask. If your health condition requires a mask, choose an N95, KN95, or P100 mask. Please make sure it is installed correctly for it to be effective.
Wildfire preparation and prevention
Wildfires can pose additional hazards that require attention. Here’s what you can do:
Be aware of the risks: landslides, water and ground contamination, power outages, carbon monoxide exposure. Remove dead plants, grass, and weeds within 30 feet of your home to reduce the risk of fire. Create a family evacuation plan. Include evacuation routes, meeting points, and emergency contacts. Support renewable energy. As wildfires worsen, the gains we’ve made in breathing clean air are being eroded. The more fossil fuels we burn, the worse wildfires become. We support the transition to renewable energy to protect your health.
For more insight and practical advice, stay in touch with the experts at Stanford Medicine and prioritize your family’s health in the face of wildfire threats.
