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:

apnews.com

Wildfires expose farmworkers to dangerous smoke as climate change intensifies

The state that's beating dirty electricity

Extreme heat costs poorest workers their health and wages

Seoul braces for heatwave sweeping South Korea as death toll reaches 16

Inside the secretive deal for a $10 billion data center in rural North Carolina

Georgia Power breaks ground on natural gas expansion at Plant Bowen despite air pollution concerns

Environmentalists can sue Suncor for its Commerce City pollution if they can prove it, US Appeals Court rules

Opinion: Ohio should treat the threat of radioactive fracking waste like the emergency that it is

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.