Abstract
Climate change has increased the prevalence of wildfires, resulting in longer fire seasons and larger geographic area burned. The aim of this work was to assess the air pollution and health risk to the population caused during exposure to smoke in fire season. The study design included: an analysis of long-term air pollution to determine background levels; an analysis of short-term (<24 h) and subchronic (10–14 days) concentrations during wildfires; and an assessment of the health risk in the industrial center of the Baikal region (Russia). In Irkutsk, at a distance of 2000 km from the fire focal points, the maximum short-term concentrations of pollution were noted during the smoke period, when the average CO level increased 2.4 times, and PM1 increased 1.4 times relative to the background levels in August 2021. In Bratsk, located near the fires, the increases in short-term concentrations were: CO—21.0; SO2—13.0; formaldehyde—12.0; TPM—4.4 times. The hazard indices of respiratory and coronary diseases in the burning period exceeded the acceptable level. Acute reactions to smoke can be expected in 30% of the exposed population near fires and 11% in remote areas (Bratsk). The results obtained from the remote sensing of atmospheric smoke can be used to urgently resolve the issue of organizing medical assistance or evacuating the population groups most sensitive to the effects of smoke in fire season.
Highlights
The number of large-scale wildfires has increased significantly in recent years in various regions: the USA [1,2,3], Australia [4,5], EU countries [6,7], Russia [8,9,10], and Canada [11,12]
The period of the highest air pollution for four main substances was revealed in the city of Irkutsk (2014–2016); in addition, in Bratsk, a slight rise was observed in 2016 (Figure 2)
At a distance of 2000 km from the fire centers, short-term concentrations increased during the smoke period: carbon monoxide (CO) increased by 2.4 times and PM10 increased by 1.4 times relative to the background level
Summary
The number of large-scale wildfires has increased significantly in recent years in various regions: the USA [1,2,3], Australia [4,5], EU countries [6,7], Russia [8,9,10], and Canada [11,12]. Experts have identified several reasons for the increase in the number of fires, such as climate accompanied by an increase in temperature and a decrease in precipitation [13,14,15] These phenomena can lead to an increase in the duration of the fire season [16] and an increase in the number of areas with potential fire hazard risk [17,18]. Smoke from wildfires contains many air pollutants that can affect public health, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), ozone, particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) [3]. Another important reason is the increased anthropogenic pressure on the territory, resulting in the greater accessibility of forests for various groups of the population [10,19,20].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
