Australian Study Finds 'Wildfire Smoke' More Dangerous Than Other Types of Air Pollution
Sydney – A study by a team of Australian researchers, which analyzed hospital data from over 1,000 communities across eight countries and regions over more than 20 years, found that wildfire smoke significantly increases the risk of hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses—more so than other types of air pollution.
Sydney – A study by a team of Australian researchers, which analyzed hospital data from over 1,000 communities across eight countries and regions over more than 20 years, found that wildfire smoke significantly increases the risk of hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses—more so than other types of air pollution.
The researchers stated that fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, found in wildfire smoke is linked to higher risks of hospital admissions for asthma, influenza, pneumonia, and other respiratory problems. Even slight increases in these particles can lead to more hospitalizations. Children, teenagers, the elderly, and people with low incomes or those living in already polluted areas are the most affected.
Wildfire smoke poses a greater health hazard than pollution from vehicles, industrial factories, or other sources. Moreover, PM2.5 particles from wildfires raise the risk of hospitalizations for respiratory diseases and asthma more than PM2.5 from non-wildfire sources. In fact, wildfire smoke accounts for 42.4% of all PM2.5-related respiratory hospital admissions.
This study was conducted by a group of Australian institutions, including Monash University and the University of New South Wales, and was published in the journal Nature Sustainability on Tuesday (April 8).
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