Forest Fires and Smoke - Impacts on Air Quality and Human Health in the USA, 1999 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Charles K. McMahon

USDA Forest Service

Southern Research Station

Scientific and regulatory interest in the air quality impacts of forest fire smoke (both prescribed and wildfires) followed the implementation of the 1970 Clean Air Act amendments. Attention on forest fires became more focused as a series of new amendments were enacted to protect the air quality and visibility of “natural” areas; and as the particulate matter air quality standards on “inhalable” and “respirable” particles were tightened. Forest fires have been shown to be a significant source of these small particles. Resource managers are adapting to these regulations by adopting Smoke Management strategies which include sophisticated decision support systems. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (with public & private input) is developing a national “Wildland Fire/Air Quality” policy which attempts to integrate two public policy goals (1) to allow fire to function in its natural role to maintain healthy ecosystems and (2) to protect public health and welfare by mitigating smoke impacts.

Heightened concern about the occupational health effects of forest fire smoke followed the 1988 Yellowstone fire when thousands of firefighters experienced respiratory problems. In 1989, a series of studies were commissioned related to the effects of immediate and long-term exposure to forest fire smoke. While all the studies have not been completed, results to date indicate that the incidence of exposure which exceed current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards were relatively low (fewer than 5 percent of cases). As research continues, strategies for risk management are being developed to reduce smoke exposure and monitor worker health.