Research indicates substantial health impacts from recent US wildfires, particularly in Maui and Los Angeles, which extend beyond direct fatalities. The Maui fire notably resulted in over 100 deaths and significant lung damage for 20% of affected individuals. Symptoms of depression were reported by nearly half of the population surveyed. Additionally, health declines were observed in about 40% of survivors. In Los Angeles, suicide and overdose rates significantly increased, with more than 400 deaths attributed to healthcare disruptions following the fires.
Three studies published this week examine the long-term fallout from the Maui and Los Angeles wildfires, including depression, suicide and overdose deaths, lung damage, and deaths caused by healthcare disruptions.
New research finds that the Maui fire left one in five people with lung damage, and as many as half with symptoms of depression.
About 40% of people reported their health had declined since the fires, and close to half mentioned increased fatigue and weakness, eye irritation and lung-related symptoms.
During the month of the fire, 13 suicides were reported in the area, nearly double the normal suicide and overdose death rates.
Collection
[
|
...
]