Wildfire Smoke and Human Health

Public Health Impact of Wildfire Smoke Exposure.   Health effects and outcomes reported in wildfire smoke studies are consistent with the thousands of studies examining effects of all PM2.5 exposures.  The reported outcomes include: • All-cause mortality • Asthma & chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations (e.g., ED visits, hospital admissions) • Bronchitis & pneumonia • Cardiovascular outcomes (e.g., hospital admissions) • Adverse birth outcomes • Symptoms such as eye irritation, sore throat, wheeze, and cough • Cognitive and Neurological Health and Exposure.  While uncertainties remain with respect to health effects related to wildfire smoke for some exposure durations, clear evidence is available that short- and long-term exposure to PM2.5 can lead to adverse health effects

Impact/Purpose

This is a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the work of the Clinical Research Branch's research into wildland fire smoke and public health for a distinguished speaker seminar at the National Jewish Health Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. 

Citation

Rappold, A. Wildfire Smoke and Human Health. National Jewish Health Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Denver, CO, January 24, 2024.