Turkey grapples with wildfires, with professionals cautious about the potential spread of smoke.
In recent days, wildfires have been tearing through parts of Turkey, with Istanbul bracing for potential health and environmental impacts due to wildfire ashfall. Similar effects are expected in other nearby provinces, including Istanbul, due to wildfires in several regions.
Health Concerns
Residents in Istanbul may experience respiratory irritation, reduced air quality, smoky odors, and visible ash residues on surfaces. Wildfire ash particles are very small and can penetrate deep into the lungs, potentially triggering or worsening respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Experts warn these effects are normal and likely given the wind-driven spread of ash from nearby fires.
Environmental Concerns
Ashfall can cover urban and natural areas, affecting soil and water quality, as well as damaging vegetation. Although specific environmental impacts on Istanbul’s ecosystems are not detailed in the available data, ash from wildfires in nearby provinces like Sakarya and Bursa indicates a significant transport of potentially toxic particles due to atmospheric conditions.
Visibility and Safety
Ash in the air reduces visibility, which can impact road safety and air travel. While no direct reports of flight disruptions in Istanbul due to ashfall were found, similar situations elsewhere have caused airport closures and flight cancellations due to the risks volcanic and wildfire ash pose to aircraft engines.
Precautions
Residents of Istanbul are advised to take precautions such as staying indoors, using masks to filter fine particles, and monitoring air quality during periods of wildfire ashfall to mitigate health risks.
Elsewhere in Turkey
Wildfires also broke out in the southern city of Antalya's Aksu, Muratpaşa, and Manavgat districts on July 25. Ashfall from forest fires has been reported in the northwestern city of Bursa, stemming from wildfires in Sakarya and Bilecik province. Workers have been battling two major wildfires in Karabük for a third consecutive day, prompting the evacuation of 14 villages and causing damage to homes, barns, and stables.
As the wildfires continue to rage, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their health and the environment.
- The wildfire ashfall might exacerbate medical conditions, particularly respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, due to small particles penetrating deep into the lungs as seen in Istanbul.
- The environmental science field highlights that ashfall can negatively impact soil and water quality, damage vegetation, and possibly transport toxic particles, such as the ash from nearby provinces like Sakarya and Bursa affecting Istanbul's ecosystems.
- Climate change could potentially increase the occurrence and intensity of wildfires, contributing to further health-and-wellness and environmental issues, such as the ongoing wildfires in Turkey that have resulted in reduced visibility and potential safety hazards for both road travelers and air travelers.