The Impact of Wildfires on Children

Climate change is changing children. Every child has the right to grow up healthy and safe. However, repercussions from climate change are robbing them of this right, as it continues to lead to illness, diseases and even death.

In Canada and in several countries around the world, the climate crisis is accelerating the risk of wildfires. Wildfires are expected to become more frequent, with a 14 per cent increase by the end of 2030, and a 50 per cent increase by the end of the century.

Hotter and drier conditions propelled by climate change are creating perfect breeding grounds for wildfires, which not only cause massive environmental damage but also pose severe risks to human health, especially children. 

UNICEF CANADA’S IMPACT OF WILDFIRES ON CHILDREN VIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE

Risk to children from wildfire smoke

Smoke from wildfire infernos contain dangerous pollutants known as particulate matter (PM2.5). Studies have shown that, unlike from other sources, PM2.5 from wildfire smoke is ten times more harmful to children’s respiratory health, especially those between 0 and 5 years of age.

Wildfire smoke increases chances of respiratory diseases like asthma, cardiovascular diseases and various lung ailments in children. Prenatal exposure of pregnant women to wildlife smoke has resulted in infants having low birth weight, congenital disabilities, childhood diabetes, premature birth and increased risk of child deaths.

Moreover, the enduring impact of wildfires extends beyond immediate health concerns. It casts a long shadow on children due to injuries, disabilities, trauma, loss of learning and recreational opportunities, and displacement.

Health impacts on children 

Wildfire smoke can have serious effects on child health across life stages:

During pregnancy, hormonal and physical changes can occur, and lung capacity can be reduced. This increases the risk of:  

  • Pre-eclampsia  
  • Miscarriage or stillbirths   
  • Gestational diabetes  
  • Gestational hypertension  
  • Preterm labour 

Infants have developing bodies, breathe more air and are closer to the ground. They are at increased risk of: 

  • Low birth weight (linked to later-life respiratory problems and reduced height-for-age) 
  • Birth defects 
  • Childhood diabetes 
  • Death 

Immune systems, brains and lungs are still developing at this stage. Children are also moving more and spending time outdoors. This increases their risk of: 

  • Asthma and respiratory diseases 
  • Weaker immune systems 
  • Lower brain function 

Adolescents continue to develop mentally and physically and are also more active. They are now at risk of: 

  • Asthma and respiratory diseases 
  • Metabolic disorders, e.g. obesity 
  • High blood pressure (hypertension) 
  • Adverse mental health effects 

What are the symptoms of wildfire smoke in children?  

Children – and young children in particular – who breathe in wildfire smoke may experience a wide range of symptoms. Physical symptoms in children may include:  

  • Chest pain and tightness  
  • Trouble breathing  
  • Wheezing 
  • Coughing  
  • Burning or irritation in the nose, throat and eyes  
  • Dizziness  
  • Other symptoms, including longer-term health impacts 

If you notice a child experiencing breathing problems, unable to sleep, or exhibiting noticeable health problems, contact a health facility immediately.

Protecting children from wildfire smoke 

In areas at high risk of wildfires, local governments, frontline workers, and civil societies help prepare households to protect themselves.  

There are two things always to consider when it comes to protecting children from wildfire smoke:  

  1. Always pay attention to local weather and air quality news, as well as health advisories, especially those related to wildfires.  
  2. Know the symptoms of wildfire smoke in children and which health facility can help you. 

Being prepared can help your family stay safe and together in an emergency.  

As part of your preparedness plan against wildfire smoke, you should keep an emergency kit handy to protect yourself and your children.  

The following list of items is recommended for households in high-wildfire-risk zones:  

  • Bottled water 
  • A few blankets or cloths for cover 
  • Packaged and dry foods 
  • Infant formula for infants over 6 months of age 
  • Infant diapers and wipes, or cloths 
  • Medication or prescription 
  • Band-aids, antiseptic, gauze, etc 

 

  • N95/KN95 face masks in adult and child sizes 
  • Flashlight and radio with extra batteries 
  • Fire extinguisher 
  • Copies of important papers 
  • Chargers for phones, to help maintain communication 
  • Extra money 

Tips for caregivers 

As caregivers, it is essential to acknowledge the risks faced by children during a wildfire and what challenges one can face to ensure their safety.  

  • For safety — and to eliminate exposure to wildfire smoke — make sure you have the financial resources and the ability to physically relocate to another location to reduce exposure. 
  • Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.  
  • If you have an air conditioner, run it with the fresh air intake closed, if possible, to keep outdoor smoke from getting indoors.  
  • Having children wear N95 or KN95 masks can help protect them from pollutants. 

What to do before, during and after a wildfire.

Wildfire image for HP .jpg

Wildfire smoke can have serious effects on children’s health across life stages.

Download UNICEF Canada's Wildfire Safety Tips