Pollution from more frequent floods and wildfires – exacerbated by the warming climate – is threatening human health and poses particular risks to the brain.
Smoke has long cast shadows across the skies in the northern hemisphere. Our aversion to smoke has influenced the way we’re willing to deal with the rising risk of wildfires.
As wildfires continue to edge closer to towns and agricultural areas, grape producers and wine-makers in the Okanagan must once again deal with this increasingly frequent threat of smoke taint.
New research found that smoke from the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, carried high concentrations of lead. An environmental toxicologist explains what else you’re breathing and how to stay safe.
Wildfire smoke is both inevitable and largely unpredictable. We need to change our activities and behaviours to limit exposure to wildfire smoke and protect health.
Thousands of chemical compounds in wildfire smoke are interacting with each other and sunlight as the smoke travels. For people downwind, it can become more toxic over time.
Last week, much of the Midwest and eastern US experienced hazy skies and red sunsets. The cause was smoke transported from the Western US by the jet stream and spread as far as Boston and even Europe.
Wildfire smoke makes it harder for firefighters’ bodies to fight off viruses. Social distancing is difficult in that environment, but fire crews are coming up with solutions.
Australians choked through a smoke-ridden summer during the bushfire crisis. But many of us are unaware of the silent damage indoor wood fire heaters are doing to our health.
Professor, Science and Engineering Faculty; Director, International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (WHO CC for Air Quality and Health); Director - Australia, Australia – China Centre for Air Quality Science and Management (ACC-AQSM), Queensland University of Technology