Wildfires expose farmworkers to dangerous smoke as climate change intensifies

A new study reveals that climate change-driven wildfires are subjecting farmworkers to hazardous air pollution, with many continuing to work in unsafe conditions out of economic necessity.

Dorany Pineda reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

• Farmworkers in Sonoma County, California, worked through dangerous wildfire conditions in 2020, inhaling toxic smoke with little protection.
• Researchers found that air quality monitors and emergency protocols failed to safeguard workers during the fires.
• Many farmworkers, especially those lacking legal status, face increased health risks without adequate protections or health coverage.

Key quote:

"We always expose ourselves to danger out of necessity, whether by fire or disaster, when the weather changes, when it’s hot or cold."

— Maria Salinas, farmworker

Why this matters:

As wildfires worsen with climate change, farmworkers—essential to the food supply—are increasingly vulnerable to health risks from toxic smoke exposure, highlighting the need for better protections as a matter of both food security and climate justice.

Related EHN coverage:

• LISTEN: Carlos Gould on wildfire smoke and our health
• Global study: Wildfire smoke kills people in cities far from fires
• How do wildfires impact your health?