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Public Health

Wildfires pose serious risks to public health, both during and long after a fire.

Beyond deaths and injuries caused directly by flames, wildfire smoke and air pollution can affect communities far from the affected area, increasing respiratory and cardiovascular risks and placing pressure on health systems. Explore the latest research, insights and resources on the health impacts of wildfires and the measures needed to reduce risk and protect vulnerable populations.

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New York - wildfire smoke, June 2023
Research briefs
USA: Wildfires pose challenges to cancer care

A new study found that patients recovering from lung cancer surgery in a facility near an active wildfire stayed in the hospital longer than similar patients in the same facility when there were no wildfires.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
New York - wildfire smoke, June 2023
Update
Wildfire smoke adds to borrowing costs for healthcare facilities—study

Smoke from a growing number of wildfires increases borrowing costs for hospitals and other healthcare facilities, sometimes in surprising ways, finds new analysis conducted by a team at the University of Nevada, Reno.

University of Nevada, Reno
Update
USA: Moving forward after the Los Angeles fires

Here are some key takeaways addressing air quality, safe post-fire cleanup, disaster preparedness and mental health effects related to the fires.

University of California, Los Angeles
Research briefs
USA: Smoke-exposed residents to face heightened health, financial risk

Far from burn zones, especially for renters and those with iffy credit, money troubles follow fires.

University of California, Los Angeles
Research briefs
Access to air-conditioning may affect wildfire-related health outcomes

A new study found that access to air-conditioning is a stronger predictor of emergency department visits related to PM2.5 exposure from smoke than factors such as race, age, and socioeconomic status.

Eos - AGU
Wildfire raging near houses
Update
Blaze blowback: 7 surprising spillovers from wildfire

Fires create new risks like toxic contaminants in drinking water, where plastic pipes exposed to intense heat leach harmful substances, affecting communities unaware of compromised water quality. And more.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Wildfire raging near houses
Update
USA: Fire and the future of Los Angeles

UCLA experts can provide key perspectives on the wildfires and their impacts on the people, communities and future of Los Angeles County.

University of California, Los Angeles
Update
USA: Wildfires ignite infection risks

Wildfires, or bushfires, can have indirect consequences for human health. In particular, they can promote the incidence and spread of a range of infections.

Conversation Media Group, the
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