potential effects on adolescent brain & romantic relationships
Since an adolescent brain's prefrontal cortex is not fully developed, decision making & emotional responses might be affected. As a result of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, one can experience changes in mood, stress and mental well-being, potentially affecting an adolescent's romantic involvements. From an environmental perspective, smoke warnings, respiratory symptoms or restrictions on outdoor activities can reduce opportunities for in-person socializing again potentially affecting an adolescent's romantic relationship.
neuro-inflammation, blood brain barrier function & oxidative stress
Oxidative stress can affect cell membranes, proteins, DNA and mitochondria and these processes may contribute to cellular dysfunction relevant to brain health. Neuroinflammation can affect how neurons communicate, however, direct evidence in humans exposed specifically to wildfire smoke remains limited.
Abou El Khair, H., Toor, V., & Cao-Lei, L. (2026). The Effect of Wildfire Exposure: Neurological Outcomes, Mental Health, and Epigenetic Insights. In Genes (Vol. 17, Issue 4, p. 420). PubMed Central. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17040420
increased smoke particulate exposure & inhalation
As these particles enter the human body, they can cause an immune response, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress & potential nervous system effects.
Milton, L. A., & White, A. R. (2020). The potential impact of bushfire smoke on brain health. Neurochemistry International, 139, 104796. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104796
Climate related stressor: WILDFIRE SMOKES
Wildfire smokes consist of PM2.5 particulates that can be concerning for human health as they can damage the lungs as well as cross the blood brain barrier to affect brain health.