Respiratory Diseases Associated With Wildfire Exposure in Outdoor Workers

Wildfires, fi res, including forest fi res, bushfires, fi res, and landscape fi res, have become increasingly prevalent, fueled by climate change and environmental factors and posing significant fi cant challenges to both ecosystems and public health. This review article examines the relationship between wildfires fi res and respiratory diseases in outdoor workers, with a main focus on airway disease. In addition to the expected effects of direct thermal respiratory injuries and possible carbon monoxide poisoning, there are associations between wildfires fi res and upper and lower respiratory effects, including infections as well as exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A few studies have also shown an increased risk of new-onset asthma among wildfire fi re fi re fi ghters. Outdoor workers are likely to have greater exposure to wildfire fi re smoke with associated increased risks of adverse effects. As wildfires fi res become increasingly prevalent globally, it is crucial to understand the various dimensions of this association. Furthermore, this review addresses preventive measures and potential interventions to alleviate the airway burden on individuals during and after work with wildfires fi res events. (c) 2024 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2024;12:1989-96)