respiratory health
Newsletter
Marathon oil refinery fire in Louisiana leaves residents worried, company claims no harm
Residents near Marathon Petroleum’s massive refinery in Garyville, Louisiana, reported health issues after a fire in August 2023, while the company maintained no offsite impacts.
Oliver Laughland, Sara Sneath and Will Craft report for The Guardian.
In short:
- A 2023 fire at Marathon's Garyville refinery burned for three days, releasing toxic chemicals into nearby communities.
- Despite health complaints, including breathing issues and headaches, Marathon and local authorities stated there were no offsite impacts.
- Investigations reveal significant concerns over company transparency and local government emergency responses during the incident.
Key quote:
“I’m having trouble with breathing. I taste oil in my mouth.”
— 911 caller in the town of Edgard
Why this matters:
The fire underscores concerns over industrial accidents in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley," where residents are frequently exposed to high pollution levels. As climate change intensifies, such incidents may become more frequent, further endangering vulnerable communities.
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Newsletter
Wildfire smoke can disrupt anesthesia and surgery outcomes
Researchers warn that wildfire smoke, filled with harmful pollutants, may interfere with anesthesia and worsen surgical outcomes, especially for children and sensitive groups.
In short:
- Wildfire smoke contains fine particles and chemicals that cause inflammation and reduce antioxidant levels, impacting health.
- Exposure can exacerbate cardiovascular issues and damage organs, complicating perioperative outcomes for patients.
- Children with prior respiratory issues are significantly more affected by poor air quality during surgeries.
Key quote:
“Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks, particularly in people with pre-existing heart and lung disease, obese patients, infants and young children and other vulnerable groups.”
— Vijay Krishnamoorthy, chief of Duke University School of Medicine’s Critical Care Medicine Division.
Why this matters:
This study adds another layer of worry as wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, raising health risks far beyond the obvious respiratory issues. Read more: Carlos Gould on wildfire smoke and our health.
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A growing wildfire threat endangers global health
Escalating megafires worldwide are worsening air quality and posing serious health risks, with vulnerable populations most at risk.
In short:
- Increasing wildfires, driven by climate change and poor forest management, are leading to more smoke-related health issues.
- Vulnerable groups, like the elderly and those with preexisting conditions, are particularly at risk from the short-term and long-term effects of smoke.
- Wildfire smoke contributes to the cumulative air pollution burden, even affecting remote areas and stalling progress on clean air improvements.
Key quote:
“For every death and heart attack, you’ve got 10 times more people needing to see a GP or needing to go to a pharmacy. You’ve got 100 times more people with symptoms missing work, kids [missing school], so the ramifications … are quite big.”
— Fay Johnston, professor at the University of Tasmania in Australia.
Why this matters:
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires lead to more severe air pollution, exacerbating health problems like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and affecting large populations, including vulnerable communities. Read more: Carlos Gould on wildfire smoke and our health.
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Long-term health impacts of early smoke exposure explored through primate study
A primate research center in California provides insights into the lifelong health consequences of early exposure to wildfire smoke.
In short:
- In 2008, wildfire smoke from Northern California engulfed the California National Primate Research Center, affecting newborn monkeys.
- These monkeys displayed weaker immune responses initially, but as they aged, they developed more aggressive immune systems and sustained lung damage.
- The study, unique due to its control conditions, suggests potential long-term health risks for humans from early smoke exposure.
Key quote:
“It’s this first year of life, this really early window of development for humans that is so critical for imprinting long-term health. If you can control the environment during this window of time, you might set the stage for a longer, healthier life in the future.”
— Lisa Miller, associate director of research, California National Primate Research Center.
Why this matters:
Understanding the long-term health impacts of wildfire smoke on young primates offers crucial insights into similar risks in humans, potentially influencing public health strategies and environmental policies. Read more: Carlos Gould on wildfire smoke and our health.
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Supreme Court leans towards limiting air pollution regulations
The Supreme Court's conservative majority is likely to restrict the Biden administration's environmental efforts, specifically the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's plan to reduce cross-state air pollution, impacting public health and environmental policies.
In short:
- The "good neighbor" plan aimed to cut ozone pollution affecting downwind states is under threat, with a decision expected by June.
- This follows a trend of the court limiting the EPA's authority on environmental issues, including climate change and water pollution.
- The plan's suspension could delay pollution control efforts, affecting states reliant on upwind pollution reduction.
Key quote:
“It would delay efforts to control pollution that contributes to unhealthy air in downwind states, which is contrary to Congress’s express directive that sources in upwind states must assume responsibility for their contributions to emissions levels in downwind states.”
— EPA legal brief.
Why this matters:
The potential blocking of the EPA's air pollution plan brings to light the struggle and intricate balance between federal authority and state responsibilities in managing air quality. Learn more about air quality and respiratory health from Kristina Marusic's reporting in our series: Breathless.
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Lockdowns lead to a significant drop in asthma emergencies due to cleaner air
A study from Oxford reveals a notable decrease in asthma-related hospital admissions in 2020, linking it to the reduction of air pollution amid COVID-19 lockdowns.
In short:
- Emergency admissions for asthma in Oxford fell by 41% in 2020, as air quality improved with fewer vehicles on the road.
- The study correlates peaks in asthma admissions with air pollution levels, pointing to a direct link between air quality and asthma exacerbations.
- Testimonies from individuals with asthma documented personal improvements in lung function during lockdown periods.
Key quote:
“The Covid-19 pandemic led to a unique opportunity where we could study the impacts of rapid changes in human activities on air quality.”
— Dr. Suzanne Bartington, lead researcher, University of Birmingham
Why this matters:
This finding emphasizes the direct impact of air quality on health, particularly for those with respiratory conditions like asthma. It supports the need for cleaner air policies, not only for environmental reasons but as an important public health measure.
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Children are more vulnerable to poor air quality, says Dundee study
Researchers say increased air pollution leads to more children being admitted to hospital with lung conditions.
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