Q&A with Wayne Cascio: Adapting to a smokier world

The One Earth journal’s editors requested that the following eight questions be answered. Question 1: To introduce the topic to our readers, can you describe some of the health impacts of smoke from wildfires and prescribed fire?   Question 2: Can you elaborate on what populations might be more at-risk from smoke exposure, and why?  Question 3: How has smoke exposure changed over time?  Question 4: What tools are available to public health officials to mitigate the health risks of smoke exposure? Question 5: Inside air is not always cleaner. How are public health officials working to ensure that people do have safer places to go when wildfire smoke reaches unhealthy levels?  Question 6: How does wildfire smoke exposure risk interact with other public health risks?  Question 7: The EPA is one of many groups, both governmental and nongovernmental, collaborating to reduce wildfire risk to the public. Can you talk about what the EPA brings to the table? Question 8: What do you see as the key gaps in preparedness for managing smoke exposure risk? What solutions are in the works to address these gaps? 

Impact/Purpose

Dr. Wayne Cascio, M.D., serves as the director of the Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Prior to his current position, Dr. Cascio worked as a physician and scientist focusing on the impacts of air pollutants on heart health. At the EPA, he has spearheaded efforts to help reduce the public health risks of wildfire smoke. The views of Dr. Cascio are his only and do not necessarily reflect those of the EPA.

Citation

Cascio, W. Q&A with Wayne Cascio: Adapting to a smokier world. Cell Press, Cambridge, MA, 7(6):953-955, (2024). [DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2024.05.010]

DOI: Q&A with Wayne Cascio: Adapting to a smokier world