“Protecting Communities: Study Urges US Policies to Prioritize Equity and Education in Wildfire Smoke Protection”
The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County have sparked concerns about the health risks associated with exposure to wildfire smoke, particularly for individuals with limited access to air conditioning. A new study led by researchers at Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) sheds light on the impact of wildfire smoke exposure on emergency department visits and underscores the importance of prioritizing equity and education in US policies.
Published online ahead of print in the journal Environmental Research: Health, the study analyzed more than 50,000 emergency department visits in California during the 2012-2019 wildfire seasons. The researchers found that exposure to fine particle matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke was linked to higher rates of emergency department visits for all causes, non-accidental causes, and respiratory disease. The risk of seeking emergency care following exposure to wildfire smoke was particularly high for individuals living in areas with limited access to air conditioning.
Dr. Jennifer Stowell, the lead author of the study and a research scientist in climate and health at BUSPH, emphasized the importance of understanding the relationship between air conditioning access and health outcomes in the context of increasing wildfire exposure. The study highlighted that people living in areas with lower availability of air conditioning had a 22% greater risk of visiting the emergency department for respiratory conditions associated with wildfire smoke exposure.
The findings come at a critical time as Southern California grapples with multiple wildfires, including the Palisades fire, which is considered one of the largest and most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles County’s history. Health experts are urging residents to use air conditioners and air purifiers to protect themselves from the harmful pollutants in wildfire smoke.
Dr. Stowell emphasized the need for stronger policy measures to reduce the health risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure, particularly for marginalized populations. She suggested that policymakers should provide better information to the public about the types and ratings of filters that are more effective at filtering particulate matter. Additionally, economic assistance should be considered for low-income populations residing in smoke-prone regions to mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure.
The study’s senior author, Dr. Gregory Wellenius, professor of environmental health and director of the Center for Climate and Health at BUSPH, underscored the importance of developing plans and policies to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke before fires occur. The study was coauthored by experts from BUSPH, Boston University College of Arts & Sciences, and the Health Effects Institute.
As wildfires continue to pose a growing threat due to climate change, the study’s findings provide valuable insights into the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure and the importance of equitable access to air conditioning in protecting vulnerable populations.