The Maui fires may cause long-term health problems

Wildfire survivors in Maui face increasing health problems, with preliminary research showing rising cases of respiratory issues, mental health struggles and exposure to heavy metals.

Paula Dobbyn reports for Honolulu Civil Beat.

In short:

Early findings from the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study show many survivors experiencing declining health, including respiratory issues and anxiety.
Researchers have found a potential link between heavy metal exposure, particularly arsenic, and respiratory problems among participants.
Many survivors face housing insecurity, financial pressure and difficulties accessing medical care, worsening their overall well-being.

Key quote:

“It’s exactly what we had feared and expected.”

— Pedro Haro, executive director of the American Lung Association in Hawaii

Why this matters:

The long-term health effects of the Maui fires could be similar to those experienced by survivors of the 9/11 attacks, necessitating increased medical support. Understanding these health impacts is crucial as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires globally.

www.civilbeat.org

The Maui fires may cause long-term health problems

Trump’s Energy Secretary says ‘cold is larger killer’ during record European heatwave

'Flesh-eating' bacteria threat spreads on Europe's beaches as seas warm

European heat wave is not normal summer weather

Base Power brings cheap batteries to residents in power-starved PJM

Gas flaring rose for a third straight year, World Bank reports

Colombian election result may reshape the Amazon rainforest’s future

Public understanding of harmful algal blooms still low, survey finds

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.