LOS ANGELES (AP) — Extreme heat and wildfire smoke are independently harmful to the human body, but together their impact on cardiovascular and respiratory systems is more dangerous and affects some communities more than others.

A report released on Friday in the journal Science Advances stated that the occurrence of extreme heat and exposure to wildfire smoke is on the rise due to climate change, particularly in California. The researchers discovered that this combination of hazards has led to a higher number of hospitalizations and has had a disproportionate impact on low-income neighborhoods and residents of marginalized racial backgrounds such as Latino, Black, Asian, and others.

According to researchers from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego and the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, there are multiple complex reasons for this issue. These include structural racism, discriminatory behaviors, inadequate access to medical insurance, limited awareness of health risks, and a higher occurrence of multiple underlying health conditions.

The elements of infrastructure, the surrounding surroundings, and the resources at hand are additional considerations. Residences and workplaces that have air conditioning and neighborhoods that have a lot of trees provide better protection against extreme heat. Certain structures also have the ability to filter out smoke from wildfires and retain heat more effectively. Locations with access to cooling centers, like libraries, can also offer added protection.

According to Tarik Benmarhnia, a researcher and epidemiologist at UC San Diego, individuals who are particularly vulnerable due to underlying health conditions may still have numerous chances to avoid negative outcomes such as hospitalization or emergency room visits. However, those living in remote areas with limited access to social services and conveniences may face more difficulties.

Specialists caution that the effects of climate change, which are exacerbating extreme weather occurrences like droughts, heat waves, and wildfires, will lead to a higher frequency and intensity of these events happening concurrently.

According to Benmarhnia, the research primarily examined California but comparable trends are evident in other areas of the western US like Oregon and Washington, as well as parts of Canada like British Columbia, and regions with a Mediterranean climate.

A team of scientists studied health data from California, divided into 995 ZIP codes that represent a majority of the state’s residents. They found that during periods of extreme heat and hazardous air quality caused by wildfires, hospitalizations for cardiorespiratory problems rose by 7%. This increase was even greater in ZIP codes with a higher concentration of poverty, non-white populations, dense living conditions, and lack of access to healthcare.

The Central Valley and northern mountains of California experienced increased occurrences of hot weather and wildfires, possibly due to an increase in forest fires in the nearby mountains.

According to Benmarhnia, individuals living in the agricultural hub of the Central Valley are at a higher risk for negative health impacts due to their increased likelihood of working outdoors and being exposed to pesticides and other environmental dangers.

Aside from potential health hazards, being admitted to a hospital can result in additional outcomes of importance, such as missed work or school hours and substantial medical expenses.

According to Christopher T. Minson, a professor of human physiology at the University of Oregon who was not involved in the study, the body struggles to cool down through sweating on extremely hot days. This can lead to dehydration and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

According to him, if you are dehydrated or have any cardiovascular disease, you will have a lower tolerance for heat stress, which can become extremely hazardous.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, certain particles found in wildfire smoke can easily pass through the nose and throat and eventually reach the lungs. The tiniest particles may even enter the bloodstream.

According to Minson, the interaction of high temperatures and smoke can lead to inflammation in the body. This can have a negative impact on your cardiovascular system, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and other health issues. In the long term, this can result in poor overall health. In other words, it can create a harmful cycle.

A study conducted in 2022 at the University of Southern California revealed that the chances of death were significantly higher on days when there was a combination of extreme heat and air pollution. The risk of death during heat waves increased by 6.1%, while extreme air pollution saw a rise of 5%. However, when both factors were present, the risk of death skyrocketed to 21%.

While working at a Los Angeles hospital, Dr. Catharina Giudice noticed an increase in emergency room visits on extremely hot days, particularly from patients with different health issues. Additionally, during times of wildfires, she observed a rise in individuals seeking treatment for worsened asthma and other respiratory ailments.

As the severity and occurrence of heat waves and wildfires continue to rise due to climate change, Giudice expresses concern for low-income and minority communities who are less equipped to handle them.

An emergency physician and fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who was not involved in the study, stated that due to various factors, underserved communities tend to experience the impacts of climate change more severely than others. It is crucial to bring attention to this aspect of social injustice in relation to climate change.

The writers observed that organizations such as the National Weather Service and regional air quality districts issue individual advisories and alerts during times of extreme heat and hazardous air conditions. However, they suggest that a joint warning issued earlier, taking into account the combined exposure, would be advantageous.

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Source: wral.com