wildfire smoke
Credit: Matt Palmer/Unsplash
Bird watchers help study wildfire smoke impact on avian life
Volunteers in Project Phoenix are observing birds to help scientists understand the effects of wildfire smoke on bird behavior and health.
In short:
- Project Phoenix, led by UCLA and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, involves over 300 volunteers observing birds to study their response to wildfire smoke.
- Wildfire smoke may force birds to alter migration routes, impacting their health and reproduction.
- The initiative is expanding from California to Oregon and Washington, with data collection running through November.
Key quote:
“There’s an urgency here to figure out more about what’s going on and how we can help birds in this tumultuous time.”
— Olivia Sanderfoot, Project Phoenix lead.
Why this matters:
By tracking bird populations, Project Phoenix aids scientific research and raises awareness about the broader implications of wildfire smoke on ecosystems. The insights gained could inform conservation strategies and public health policies, ensuring both avian and human communities can better navigate the smoky realities of our changing climate.
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Credit: Anthony Quintano/Flickr
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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Newsletter
Wildfires in Canada worsen air quality across the U.S. Midwest
Wildfire smoke from Canadian blazes has dramatically worsened air quality across the Midwestern United States, permeating indoor environments despite efforts to keep it out.
In short:
- More than 140 wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia have sent smoke across U.S. borders, affecting indoor air quality even with closed windows and doors.
- Experts emphasize the importance of high-quality air filtration systems to combat the infiltration of outdoor pollutants indoors.
- Vulnerable groups like children and the elderly face significant health risks from prolonged exposure to this smoke.
Key quote:
“Housing quality plays a big role in this. If you’re in an older, leakier home, you’re going to be exposed to more wildfire smoke."
— Elliott Gall, mechanical and materials engineering professor at Portland State University
Why this matters:
As climate change escalates the frequency and severity of wildfires, more individuals will likely experience adverse health effects from smoke exposure. Effective indoor air quality management is becoming important for health safety, particularly in densely populated and vulnerable communities.
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Credit: Caleb Cook/ Unsplash
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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Credit: Anthony Quintano/Flickr/Creative Commons
Wildfire smoke from Canada significantly worsened US air quality in 2023
Wildfire smoke crossing from Canada contributed to a spike in air pollution levels and negative public health outcomes.
In short:
- The World Air Quality Report by IQAir revealed that U.S. air pollution levels nearly doubled WHO's acceptable limits, with significant pollution spikes in cities like Milwaukee.
- Despite improvements, U.S. cities faced unhealthy air quality due to Canadian wildfire smoke, impacting health and contributing to diseases like respiratory illnesses and cancers.
- New EPA standards aim to reduce air pollution, but wildfire smoke remains a challenge, potentially undoing progress made in air quality improvements.
Key quote:
“We really want to encourage people to treat air quality just like they would treat the weather, look to see what the air quality is before you spend extensive time outdoors.”
— Christi Chester Schroeder, air quality science manager at IQAir
Why this matters:
Air quality events precipitated by wildfire smoke exemplifies a need for cross-border environmental cooperation and effective fire management strategies in the face of a warming climate and longer wildfire seasons. LISTEN: Carlos Gould on wildfire smoke and our health.
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Newsletter
Credit: Larry C Photography/BigStock Photo ID: 386386015
San Francisco Bay area homes face high air quality risks
Every home in the Bay Area is at high risk of experiencing poor air quality due to wildfires, a stark contrast to its status as one of the most expensive housing markets.
In short:
- A report by Redfin shows that all homes in the San Francisco and San Jose metro areas are highly susceptible to unhealthy air, mainly because of wildfires.
- Among major U.S. metro areas, those in California face the highest risk of poor air quality.
- Efforts to improve air quality in the Bay Area were effective until mid-2010s, but recent severe wildfires and ongoing emissions have deteriorated the situation.
Key quote:
"California is 'ground zero' for worsening air quality, with wildfires driving exposure to unhealthy air."
— First Street Foundation's research.
Why this matters:
The situation in the Bay Area serves as an example of the broader challenges climate change brings to urban health and living standards nationwide. How do wildfires impact your health?
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Credit: Dorieugene/Bigstock Photo ID: 323377723
Climate change threatens outdoor activities for children due to deteriorating air quality
A recent study reveals that climate change-induced heat waves and wildfires are negating progress in U.S. air cleanliness, jeopardizing outdoor safety for children.
In short:
- The First Street Foundation's study predicts a return to 2004 air pollution levels by mid-century, erasing decades of clean air advancements.
- This decline affects U.S. air quality, with an estimated 14 million households facing "unhealthy" air annually, exacerbating risks for children and sensitive populations.
- California and other U.S. regions face increasing days of hazardous air quality due to wildfires and fossil fuel emissions, impacting more than 70% of Californians.
Key quote:
"We're wiping out two decades in air quality gains."
— Jeremy Porter, study coauthor
Why this matters:
Climate change poses ever-escalating challenges to public health and environmental policy, emphasizing a need for updated strategies to combat worsening air quality and its disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations.
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