Gironde wildfires spark health alerts over air quality and heart risks

Large wildfires in the Gironde and Landes regions have produced thick smoke that markedly degraded air quality, with Atmo Nouvelle‑Aquitaine reporting spikes in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and toxic compounds. Generation Ecology Gironde warned that public information on these health hazards has been insufficient, urging transparent dissemination of scientific data.

Cardiologist Dr Stéphanie Clément‑Guinaudeau highlighted the heightened danger to people with pre‑existing cardiovascular disease. She said, "les patients qui sont déjà malades du cœur doivent se protéger. Il ne faut pas attendre d’avoir des symptômes," and explained that inhaled fine particles can cause arterial inflammation, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes. She recommends that vulnerable individuals limit outdoor activity, use FFP2 masks when outside, and improve indoor air with HEPA filtration.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation as the fires remain under control but smoke persists.