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.
The Suncor Refinery keeps reporting accidental toxic air releases into the air above its Commerce City neighborhood, and a watchdog group focused on air pollution cites the most recent incidents in pursuing a new lawsuit against the EPA for greenlighting Suncor operations.
Some of the developed world's favorite brands lie in discarded heaps in Chile's Atacama desert. How they got there tells the story of modern fast fashion.
A new report chalks out pathways for the United States to heavily reduce the amount of mined lithium it needs to decarbonize transportation and sidestep “irreversible harms” to water, air, and animal habitats—especially near Indigenous lands.
Supporters say there's enough momentum for a nuclear renaissance that would catapult the industry into a greater role in the world's clean energy future.
