Wildfires increase risk to pregnant people, but public health response lags
Wildfires pose severe risks to pregnant people, but a new report reveals that public health officials are failing to adequately warn and protect vulnerable populations.
Aliya Uteuova reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Pregnant people are at risk of low birth weight and preterm birth from wildfire exposure, yet public health warnings are insufficient.
- Vulnerable groups, like the unhoused and non-English speakers, lack access to vital safety measures, such as air filters.
- Health providers report a lack of guidance on wildfire-related risks, forcing them to rely on their own research.
Key quote:
“While we know that wildfires are continuing to intensify in the US, and we’re increasingly clear on what damages wildfires represent to maternal and newborn health, we’re still not seeing the kind of response from policymakers and public health officials that we need.”
— Skye Wheeler, researcher at Human Rights Watch
Why this matters:
Wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, increase health risks for pregnant people, with long-term impacts on maternal and newborn health. Immediate action is needed to protect vulnerable communities.
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