Wildfires: Health Risks and How to Keep Children Safe

A Stanford Children’s expert shares how to help protect kids from the dangers and health risks of wildfires.

Wildfire smoke is estimated to be 10 times more harmful to children than regular air pollution. It has been linked to increased risks of premature birth, asthma, and respiratory issues in children, along with a heightened risk of cancer. Climate change is making wildfires more frequent and more dangerous. Stanford pediatrician Lisa Patel, MD, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the Stanford School of Medicine, highlights steps families can take to protect their children and stay safe.

Know when it is not safe to be outside

When wildfire smoke fills the air, protecting your family—especially vulnerable groups like children, pregnant individuals, and the elderly—is crucial. Here are essential steps to keep the air in your home as clean as possible during poor air quality days:

• Check air quality regularly. Use AirNow.gov via phone or computer to monitor air quality in your area. Remember, the higher the Air Quality Index (AQI) number, the less safe the air is to breathe.

• Maintain indoor air quality. Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. Utilize an air purifier. If you don’t have one, you can create a DIY air purifier using a box fan and an air filter—guides are easily available online. Avoid indoor activities that worsen air quality: Don’t smoke or burn firewood, candles, or incense. If you cook with a gas stove, use the exhaust vent. Without a vent, try to avoid using the stove on poor air quality days. Consider switching to an induction cooktop if possible.

• Use protective masks. If masks are necessary due to health conditions, opt for N95, KN95, or P100 respirators. Ensure that they are properly fitted to be effective.

Preparing for and preventing wildfires

Wildfires can present additional hazards that warrant your attention. Here’s what you can do:

• Watch for risks: Landslides, water and ground pollution, power outages, carbon monoxide exposure. Remove dead plants, grass, and weeds within 30 feet of your home to reduce fire risk.

• Create a family evacuation plan. Include escape routes, a meet up point, and an emergency contact.

• Support renewable energy. Worsening wildfires are erasing the gains we’ve made to breathe cleaner air. Wildfires will grow worse the more we burn fossil fuels. Support the transition to renewable forms of energy to safeguard health.

• Participate in California Clean Air Day. Challenge yourself to essential actions like taking transit and shopping local. Clean air depends on each of us taking steps to reduce pollution.

For more insights and actionable advice, stay connected with Stanford Medicine experts and prioritize your family’s well-being in the face of wildfire threats.