A new study conducted by Cornell University, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), and the University of Houston reveals that smoke particulates from wildfires have significant impacts on human health and the economy. The research suggests that these wildfires could lead to between 4,000 and 9,000 premature deaths annually in the United States, and cost the country $36 to $82 billion per year.
The study, titled “Quantifying the Premature Mortality and Economic Loss From Wildfire-Induced PM2.5 in the Contiguous U.S.,” was published on June 1st in the Science of the Total Environment.
While air pollution is commonly associated with automobile tailpipes and factory emissions, this study highlights the often overlooked air pollution caused by natural sources like wildfires. With climate change leading to an increase in wildfires, the effects of smoke and particulate matter from these fires can pose significant health risks.
The study’s authors used satellite wildfire emission and air quality data from 2012 to 2014 to assess the impact of smoke from wildfires on human health and economies. Metropolitan regions near fire sources, such as Los Angeles, Houston, and Atlanta, are expected to experience a large health burden and economic loss.
To mitigate the harmful effects of wildfires, the authors suggest implementing laws and regulations, as well as local policies and guidance to reduce wildfire risk. Measures such as thinning forests and creating green fire breaks can substantially decrease the harm of smoke downwind in populated areas.
More information: Shuai Pan et al, Quantifying the premature mortality and economic loss from wildfire-induced PM2.5 in the contiguous U.S., Science of The Total Environment (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162614
Citation: Wildfire smoke downwind affects health, wealth and mortality: Study (2023, June 20) retrieved 21 June 2023 from https://phys.org/news/2023-06-wildfire-downwind-affects-health-wealth.html
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