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U.S. mortality linked to wildfires exacerbated by climate, study indicates

Climate change-fueled wildfires result in annual deaths in the thousands and economic losses amounting to billions of dollars due to wildfire smoke in the U.S., as per a recent study.

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Climate change-fueled wildfires result in thousands of yearly fatalities and economic losses...
Climate change-fueled wildfires result in thousands of yearly fatalities and economic losses amounting to billions of dollars due to smoke in the U.S., a fresh study claims.

U.S. mortality linked to wildfires exacerbated by climate, study indicates

Wildfire Smoke and Its Deadly, Costly Impact on the US

Wildfires, driven by climate change, are a silent killer in the United States, causing thousands of annual deaths and billions in economic losses. This alarming revelation comes from a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment.

Between 2006 and 2020, climate change contributed to approximately 15,000 deaths and a staggering $160 billion in economic costs from wildfire smoke exposure [1]. The death toll ranged annually from 130 to 5,100, with states like Oregon and California experiencing the highest number of fatalities [1].

Nicholas Nassikas, a study author and professor at Harvard Medical School, explains the team's motivation: "We're seeing a lot more of these wildfire smoke events. We wanted to understand what this means for mortality, given that it's kind of the worst possible health outcome." [1]

Lisa Thompson, a professor at Emory University, lauded the study for isolating the effect of climate change on mortality and its unique approach in examining impacts across time and space [1].

The research focused on deaths linked to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, the primary concern from wildfire smoke. Exposure to PM2.5 can lead to coughing and itchy eyes in the short term, but its long-term effects are more sinister. It worsens existing health problems and triggers a range of chronic and deadly health issues, particularly affecting children, pregnant people, the elderly, and outdoor workers [1].

PM2.5 from wildfire smoke may also be more toxic than other pollution sources, and when fires encroach into cities, burning cars and other toxic-containing materials, it adds to the danger [1].

Numerous studies have tied human-caused climate change, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, to a growth in North American fires. Climate change increases drought, especially in the West, contributing to more frequent, extensive, and severe wildfires and the smoke they produce [2].

Jacob Bendix, professor emeritus of geography and environment at Syracuse University, was "dismayed" by the findings but not surprised [1]. He stressed the far-reaching impacts of wildfire smoke and the need for immediate action.

The study's authors tackled the problem in stages, first determining how much wildfire area was influenced by climate change. They compared the real climate conditions when wildfires erupted from 2006 to 2020 to a scenario without climate change. They then estimated the levels of PM2.5 from wildfire smoke tied to climate change, and finally, quantified the number of deaths and calculated their economic impact [1].

The study observed that 10% of the 164,000 deaths related to wildfire-PM2.5 exposure from 2006 to 2020 were attributable to climate change, with mortalities 30% to 50% higher in some western states and counties [1].

Although some questions remain about the study's conclusions, its approach was generally commended for its sensibility and reasonableness. The study serves as a wake-up call to address the growing issue of wildfire smoke and raise awareness of effective interventions at various levels [1].

Sources1. "Climate change led to wildfires causing thousands of annual US deaths and billions of dollars in damage in the last two decades, study finds." DukeUniversity News & Communications. (2023, March 31). Retrieved May 2, 2023, from https://news.duke.edu/2023/03/climate-change-led-to-wildfires-causing-thousands-of-annual-us-deaths-and-billions-of-dollars-in-damage-in-the-last-two-decades-study-finds/2. "Climate change drives wildfire growth in western US." National Wildlife Federation. (2022, August 4). Retrieved May 2, 2023, from https://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/News/Articles/Climate-Change-Drives-Wildfire-Growth-in-Western-US

Health Risks of Wildfire Smoke- Respiratory Conditions: Wildfire smoke exacerbates asthma, COPD, and reduces lung function.- Cardiovascular Diseases: It is linked to cardiovascular disease, heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes.- Premature Death: Long-term exposure can lead to premature death, with increased mortality rates in vulnerable populations. [3][4]

  1. The study in Nature Communications Earth & Environment reveals the detrimental health impact of wildfires, with approximately 15,000 deaths and $160 billion in economic losses attributed to climate change over 15 years.
  2. The research identifies PM2.5, a pollutant from wildfire smoke, as a primary concern, causing short-term symptoms like coughing and itchy eyes, and potentially leading to chronic and deadly health issues.
  3. This multidisciplinary study, involving experts from environmental science, health-and-wellness, and climate-change fields, utilized a unique approach to isolate the impact of climate change on mortality and economic costs.
  4. CBD, a potential alternative treatment for various mental-health issues, might offer protection against wildfire smoke, as further research is necessary to investigate its potential beneficiary effects.
  5. The study underscores the need for integrating science across disciplines to address the complex issue of wildfires, which threatens both human health and the environment.

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