Scientists reveal wildfire smoke’s shocking effect on brain cells

Experts have long known that wildfire smoke is incredibly damaging to our health, particularly our heart and our lungs. New research now paints a worrying picture of what wood smoke does to our brain.

Five new fires have erupted in southern California more than two weeks after blazes began ravaging Los Angeles. More than 50,000 people were under evacuation orders or warnings on Wednesday (22 January) as a fast-moving wildfire swept through mountains north of LA.

Now, a new study has raised concerns about the long-term health effects of being exposed to wildfire smoke. Researchers looked into the effects of eucalyptus wood smoke on key human brain cells and found that it significantly increased inflammation, potentially increasing the risk of neurological disorders such as dementia.

Eucalyptus trees are widely found in California after being introduced to the region in the 19th century. However, they massively contribute to fire risks due their highly flammable oils.

Previous research has linked wildfire exposure to cognitive impairment as well as diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's. The researchers set out to better understand its direct effects on the brain.

The team at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory also noted that the smoke damaged the blood-brain barrier, which acts as a protective wall that controls what passes from blood into the brain. It helps to prevent bacteria and toxins from causing harm to the brain.

They found that wildfire smoke reduced the number of tightly connected cells that fill the gaps in the barrier, therefore putting the brain at risk of harm.

The researchers looked at two types of human brain endothelial cells, exposing them to smoldering eucalyptus wood smoke extract for 24 hours