UKHSA alert to invisible threat that 'can enter your bloodstream'

UKHSA alert to invisible threat that 'can enter your bloodstream' The health protection body has set out what people should do if they are affected - and warned face masks are not the answer The UKHSA has issued a new alert after it said many people were unaware of a rising problem affecting areas across the UK. The health protection body says the country is seeing an increasing number of wildfires, such as the one currently burning in the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, it said latest figures show that in 2025 fire and rescue services in England and Wales responded to almost 1,000 wildfire incidents, beating the previous record which was set in 2022. It said: "Wildfires are becoming more common in the UK - and the smoke can seriously affect your health." It went on to explain that while these are typically small and last a short time, they are "more common in the UK than many people realise". They are often triggered by the hot, dry weather which dries out vegetation and provides fuel for fires. It added: "This year, widespread wildfires have led to headlines about a ‘firewave’. With hotter, drier summers becoming more common, it’s worth knowing what wildfires mean for your health and what you and others can do to stay safe. " What is a wildfire A wildfire is an uncontrolled vegetation fire which is serious enough to need an emergency response. The UKHSA said: "Typically, they include fires covering at least a hectare of land (approximately the size of 2 rugby pitches), with flames over 1.5 metres high, or incidents requiring fire crews for 6 hours or more. Wildfires can burn grassland, moorland, woodland and peat, and they can start and spread remarkably quickly." Do we have a wildfire problem in the UK? The UKHSA says this is an increasing issue as a result of climate change which is making summers hotter and drier and ideal conditions for fire. It takes very little vegetation for a wildfire to start and it is important to follow wildfire prevention advice issued by the Fire and Rescue Service. It added: "Most wildfires start due to human activities and are a risk to communities, emergency services as well as increasing pressure on our health service." Is wildfire smoke harmful? "All smoke is potentially harmful to your health," the UKHSA advises. "Wildfire smoke is made up of various air pollutants which will depend on what is being burnt and the nature of the fire but is likely to contain a complex mixture of fine particles, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. The fine particles are particularly concerning as they can penetrate deep into your lungs and even enter your bloodstream causing illness." It added that smoke inhalation can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and lead to coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. It said: "For people with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions, the effects can be more serious, potentially triggering hospital admissions. Children, older adults and pregnant women are also at greater risk." What if there's a wildfire nearby? The agency said if there is a wildfire close to you it is important to follow emergency service advice as fire can spread rapidly and be a "real threat to life and to property". It said: "Residents should avoid areas affected by smoke from a wildfire. Where you have to stay in the area - and there is no risk from spreading fire - the single most effective thing you can do is stay indoors with doors and windows closed. This significantly reduces your exposure to smoke, even in older, draughtier homes." It shared key steps: - stay inside and keep windows and doors shut - turn off any air conditioning systems that draw air in from outside - avoid or limit any time spent outdoors in areas affected by smoke - follow local media for updates and follow official advice Additional actions to consider during hot weather: - draw curtains and blinds to limit solar heat build-up indoors - use a fan to keep air circulating inside the room - stay hydrated with cool drinks - avoid strenuous activity - if it becomes hot indoors, move to the coolest part of your home, particularly when sleeping For those having to drive through a smoky area, keep your vehicle windows up, close air vents, and switch your air conditioning to recirculate mode. Never leave children or pets in a closed vehicle. What if I experience any health problems? "Wildfire smoke can irritate air passages, skin and eyes, resulting in coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain," it advised. "It can also worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. "For most people any symptoms will be temporary and will quickly disappear once you are away from the smoke. However, if symptoms persist or get worse, you should seek health advice." For anyone with asthma who has an asthma action plan or other agreed health management plan, they should follow it and make sure they have access to any prescribed inhalers or medication. For those without it recommends speaking to their GP or nurse about putting one in place. Should I wear a face mask? The UKHSA said: "Face masks such as surgical masks are not usually recommended as they do not necessarily protect against all the pollutants that may be present in the smoke." What is happening in the Cairngorms? Firefighters are spending their third say fighting the fire which has led to evacuations in the Cairngorms. The fire started in heathland at Ryvoan Bothy, near Nethy Bridge, late on Wednesday morning and spread to cover an area of around six kilometres by Thursday afternoon. A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts in the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution. Firefighters worked through the night on Thursday tackling the blaze and six fire engines and specialist resources remained at the scene on Friday morning. There have been no reports of any casualties.