The smoke from wildfires may be having a direct impact on the mental health of children and adolescents, according to a study led by Australian researchers. The investigation concludes that visits to hospital emergency departments for mental health problems increased in the six days following exposure to the air pollution caused by fires.
The study analyzed the relationship between levels of atmospheric pollution after wildfires and emergency visits for mental health reasons in minors, comparing these data with periods of exposure to pollution from other sources, such as road traffic or industrial activity.
The results indicate that pollution associated with fires represents a higher risk than other types of air pollution, being linked to a greater number of episodes of mental health disturbances among children and adolescents.
The researchers warn that, as wildfires become more frequent and intense, this impact may worsen. They therefore advocate for the urgent need to reduce exposure to smoke and to integrate child mental health into fire response strategies.
According to the authors, protecting children from the effects of the atmospheric pollution caused by fires is essential to safeguarding the well-being of future generations in a context of rising risk associated with climate change.
