toxic wildfire smoke
Wildfires in Canada bring health concerns with persistent smoke exposure
Increased frequency and intensity of wildfires in Canada pose significant long-term health risks due to persistent smoke exposure.
Stephanie Cleland and Ryan W. Allen write for The Conversation.
In short:
- Wildfires in Canada have increased by 220% over the last two decades, threatening air quality.
- Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to premature death, reduced lung function and increased cancer risks.
- Persistent smoke exposure also affects cognitive function and prenatal health.
Why this matters:
Chronic exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a variety of long-term respiratory issues. Conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be exacerbated, leading to more frequent and severe attacks. Even those without pre-existing conditions can develop new respiratory problems after prolonged exposure to these harmful pollutants. For vulnerable populations like children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, the risks are even higher.
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As wildfires multiply, a new era of air pollution
Fires in Canada and the island of Maui, in the US state of Hawaii, have damaged massive areas of land and raised questions about lasting health effects.
The hazy days of summer
An awareness that the air around you isn’t fit to breathe can be a uniquely alarming sensation. It is also likely to become more common.
The history of American air pollution, explained
Vox reporter Rachel DuRose explains the history of American air pollution.
In a nutshell:
The progress made in the United States to combat air pollution over the past century is being undermined by the growing threat of wildfire smoke, exacerbated by climate change. While previous efforts focused on regulating emissions from industrial and human-made sources, wildfires pose a different challenge as they are natural disasters. With extreme fire events becoming more frequent and severe, particulate matter emissions are on the rise, posing a significant health risk.
Key quote:
“Air quality is a really terrific method to get people on board with the idea that we have to do something that reduces the speed of climate change,” says David Lu, the co-founder of Clarity Movement, a company providing air quality monitoring solutions. “It’s a Trojan horse, almost.”
The big picture:
Increasingly, wildfires are driven by human-led activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels. The resulting toxic air pollution, particularly the hazardous particulate matter, poses significant health risks, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and lung cancer. Legislative action and public awareness are crucial to address this smoky future and mitigate the impact of climate change on air quality.
Read more about toxic pollution, wildfire smoke, and climate change at Vox.
Want to learn more? EHN reporter Elizabeth Gribkoff wrote about the health effects of wildfire smoke, even in cities far from the wildfires.
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