Topline
According to a Lancet Planetary Health Wednesday study, wildfire-related pollution is responsible for thousands of deaths each year. The researchers believe this should be a wakeup call to urgent action to reduce climate change and manage vegetation.
Wildfire pollution can lead to thousands of deaths each year. getty
The Key Facts
According to a peer-reviewed study of the tens of thousands of deaths in 749 cities worldwide between 2000 and 2016, fine particulate matter (a form of wildfire pollutant) is responsible for 335,000 deaths each year. The global team of researchers discovered that nearly 7,000 people died from heart disease and 3500 died from breathing difficulties. This is the first international study on the effects of wildfire-related pollutants. Researchers identified fine particulate matter as the most dangerous of the pollutants that wildfires emit. It can enter the bloodstream via the lungs, and is often more toxic than other types of pollution. The data shows that Japan is the country with the highest number of wildfire-related deaths, at more than 7,000 per year in 47 cities. The U.S. ranks third with almost 3,200 deaths per year in 210 cities. Researchers cautioned that the study did not capture the full extent wildfire pollution over the study period. They also did not include other pollutants such as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide and did not account for other health effects like injury or worsening mental health.
Important Quote
Yuming Guo, who was the lead researcher in the study, stated that climate change will cause wildfires to increase in frequency and severity. Guo stated that this goes beyond respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He also noted that air pollution can affect all body functions, and has been linked with issues such as mental health, suicide, diabetes, kidney disease, and brain disorders.
What to Watch
Air pollution is not limited to areas that are ravaged by wildfires in the United States. Guo explained to Forbes that wildfire smoke can spread to other parts of the U.S. or other countries. He suggested people take steps to protect their health.
Important Background
In this year's tinder dry climate, wildfires have sparked widespread destruction across the U.S.A. and Europe. Wildfires are an important and natural part of certain ecosystems. However, they have become extremely severe and numerous regions including the U.S. have seen record-breaking seasons. Experts predict that wildfires will become more common as humans-driven climate change increases the probability of dry and hot conditions conducive to wildfires. This is a result of climate change caused by humans, which makes extreme weather more likely. This Lancet study is part of a growing body of research showing that air pollution can have serious effects on our bodies and minds. Air pollution has been shown to be linked to suicide, depression, and schizophrenia. A reduction in cognitive intelligence has been associated with long-term exposure, particularly among men.
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Mortality risk due to wildfire-related PM25 polluting: A global time series study in 749 locations. (Lancet).
Research by Forbes: Increased air pollution increases the chance of severe mental illness
