A recent study has revealed a significant increase in asthma exacerbations among children in the San Francisco Bay Area following the 2018 Camp Fire, California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire in modern history.Researchers analyzed health data from 1.6 million pediatric asthma patients using the Komodo Health platform.
They found that in the 14 days following the fire’s onset, asthma-related symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath nearly doubled among Hispanic and Latino children. Asian American and Pacific Islander children experienced a 75% increase, while Black and white children saw increases of 63% and 55%, respectively.
Overall, the wildfires were associated with a 76% rise in asthma exacerbations and a 27% increase in emergency doctor visits for child asthmatics. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations during wildfire events.
Kenneth Mendez, CEO and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, called the study a “wake-up call” for policymakers, emphasizing the importance of addressing health issues caused by wildfires and air pollution.
The researchers suggest that authorities could mitigate these impacts through targeted distribution of protective equipment like masks and air filters, as well as investment in clean-air shelters. As climate change continues to exacerbate wildfire risks, such measures may become increasingly crucial for safeguarding public health, particularly among children with respiratory conditions.
See “California Camp Fire smoke linked to asthma episodes in kids” (September 3, 2024)
