USC Finds Wildfire Smoke Affects Children

Wildfires that burned Southern California several years ago posed health risks to all children, not just those suffering from asthma, researchers said.

Children with asthma exhibited the most symptoms, but numerous respiratory problems were reported in children without the disorder, the researchers reported in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

University of Southern California scientists mailed questionnaires to parents of nearly 5,000 children after the October 2003 wildfires that burned more than 1,000 square miles in Southern California, the university said in a release.

Parents reported children suffered wheezing, coughing, colds, bronchitis, sore throats, sneezing and irritated eyes. Many said their children missed school and visited doctors’ offices because of these problems.

One thing this study shows us is that during severe wildfires, children who do not have asthma may be experiencing what it is like to live with asthma, said Nino Kunzli, lead author and associate professor of preventive medicine at USC’s School of Medicine.

The study suggested that children could stay healthier during wildfires by limiting outdoor activity and heeding other precautions recommended by public health agencies.