According to a new study published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment, wildfires intensified by the climate crisis caused approximately 15,000 deaths and incurred $160 billion in economic costs from 2006 to 2020 in the United States. The authors, led by physician Nicholas Nassikas, emphasize the increased frequency of wildfire smoke events and their significant health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations. Unique aspects of the study include its focus on mortality linked to PM2.5 exposure, which is increasingly recognized as more toxic than other pollution sources, highlighting the urgent health risks posed by growing wildfire events.
Wildfire smoke, primarily due to PM2.5, has led to around 15,000 deaths in the U.S. from 2006 to 2020, costing approximately $160 billion.
Nicholas Nassikas notes that as wildfire smoke events increase, understanding their mortality impact in a changing environment becomes crucial.
The study is among the first to isolate climate crisis effects on mortality, making it unique by analyzing impacts over time and space.
Lisa Thompson highlighted that PM2.5 from wildfire smoke may be more toxic than other pollution sources, raising health concerns.
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