Health impacts of Maui wildfire revealed in new study

A study shows alarming health issues among Maui wildfire survivors, including high rates of depression and respiratory problems.

Nina Lakhani reports for The Guardian.

In short:

The University of Hawaii study found increased depression and respiratory issues among Maui wildfire survivors.
Preliminary results indicate a significant decline in health post-wildfire, with potential long-term impacts.
The study aims to provide insights for better medical and psychosocial care for disaster survivors.

Key quote:

“The observed kidney function issues and respiratory symptoms are very concerning … These health problems are likely related to environmental exposure.”

— Dr. Ruben Juarez, co-researcher and professor of economics at the UH Economic Research Organization

Why this matters:

This study underscores the need for comprehensive healthcare and support for disaster survivors, particularly in addressing mental health and chronic conditions. The findings also emphasize the importance of environmental health in disaster response and recovery efforts.

Wildfire smoke causes more than 33,000 deaths a year across 43 countries, according to a new global study.

www.theguardian.com

Health impacts of Maui wildfire revealed in new study

Disaster aid cuts raise fears of post-Katrina failures as hurricane risks grow

New Orleans children carry Hurricane Katrina’s trauma into adulthood

Local emergency alert systems often go unused, with deadly results

Democrats target Trump’s energy law as driver of rising electricity bills

Oil and gas firms press Carney to scale back climate rules as Canada weighs emissions plan update

U.S. tariffs hit Indian solar exports as domestic market faces pressure to absorb surplus

Koch-funded campaign ramps up fight against Vermont’s clean energy laws

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.