Lack of air conditioning elevates emergency visits amid wildfire smoke
People who have limited access to air conditioning may be at higher risk of seeking emergency care for health problems following exposure to wildfire smoke, according to a new study led by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH).
Posted online ahead of publication in the journal Environmental Research: Health, the study found that exposure to fine particle matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke in California is associated with higher rates of emergency department visits for all causes, non-accidental causes, and respiratory disease.
Posted online ahead of publication in the journal Environmental Research: Health, the study found that exposure to fine particle matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke in California is associated with higher rates of emergency department visits for all causes, non-accidental causes, and respiratory disease.
- This risk varied by age and race, but was especially high for individuals who lived in areas with lower availability of air conditioning.
The findings come at a critical time, as firefighters in Southern California continue to battle multiple wildfires that have been blazing in and around Los Angeles County since Tuesday, January 7—including the Palisades fire, which is likely the largest and most destructive wildfire in the county's history. Health experts are urging residents who are not under evacuation orders and can safely remain in their homes to turn on air conditioners and/or air purifiers if they have access to these devices.
Despite this guidance—and the growing threat of more frequent and intense wildfires due to worsening climate change—very little research has examined how the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure may differ based on individuals' access to air conditioning. Understanding this relationship can inform policies and interventions that mitigate barriers to air conditioners and protect vulnerable populations from the consequences of inhaling PM2.5 and other harmful pollutants from this smoke, which can permeate the air from hundreds or thousands of miles away.
"Depending on the type of system and filter used, air conditioning may modify the impact of smoke exposure on human health," says study lead and corresponding author Dr. Jennifer Stowell, research scientist in climate and health at BUSPH, noting that the analysis only addressed the likelihood of access to air conditioning, rather than air conditioning types or actual usage. "Studies like these will become more and more relevant as wildfire exposure increases. California is, perhaps, the best example of this in the US, with bigger fires and longer fire seasons. An important next step will be to identify ways to better characterize access to air conditioning."
Despite this guidance—and the growing threat of more frequent and intense wildfires due to worsening climate change—very little research has examined how the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure may differ based on individuals' access to air conditioning. Understanding this relationship can inform policies and interventions that mitigate barriers to air conditioners and protect vulnerable populations from the consequences of inhaling PM2.5 and other harmful pollutants from this smoke, which can permeate the air from hundreds or thousands of miles away.
"Depending on the type of system and filter used, air conditioning may modify the impact of smoke exposure on human health," says study lead and corresponding author Dr. Jennifer Stowell, research scientist in climate and health at BUSPH, noting that the analysis only addressed the likelihood of access to air conditioning, rather than air conditioning types or actual usage. "Studies like these will become more and more relevant as wildfire exposure increases. California is, perhaps, the best example of this in the US, with bigger fires and longer fire seasons. An important next step will be to identify ways to better characterize access to air conditioning."
> For the study, Dr. Stowell and colleagues from BUSPH, Boston University College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), and the Health Effects Institute utilized a nationwide dataset of health care claims to assess more than 50,000 emergency department visits during the 2012-2019 California wildfire seasons, which occurred from May to November each year. They quantified the adverse health effects from PM2.5 exposure among all study participants, as well as subgroups of participants.
Consistent with prior research, wildfire smoke exposure was most strongly associated with emergency department visits for respiratory issues, but not cardiovascular-related complications. These visits were generally higher among children under 10 years old, adults between 20-74 years old, and among the Black population, although also elevated among White, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander populations.
Consistent with prior research, wildfire smoke exposure was most strongly associated with emergency department visits for respiratory issues, but not cardiovascular-related complications. These visits were generally higher among children under 10 years old, adults between 20-74 years old, and among the Black population, although also elevated among White, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander populations.
- People living in areas with lower availability of air conditioning had a 22-percent greater risk of visiting the emergency department for respiratory conditions associated with wildfire smoke exposure.
- Greater insight into air conditioning use as a pollutant-filtering tool and the barriers that certain populations face in accessing these cooling systems is critical, as wildfires are expected to occur more regularly in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)—areas where human activity is in close contact with sources of dry fuel.
- This is exactly what is happening now in LA County, Dr. Stowell says, as the fires destroy thousands of homes and businesses near vegetation.
So how may residential air conditioners help dispel PM2.5 from homes?
- The filters in these cooling systems can remove particulate matter, although certain filters are more effective at filtering particulate matter than others.
- "HEPA filters can remove the majority of particles greater than 0.3 µm, but they are significantly more expensive than fiberglass air filters, which only remove larger particles and may allow high amounts of fine particulate matter to penetrate indoors," Dr. Stowell says.
- "Generic pleated air filters are also fairly efficient at filtering out most particulate matter."
The study findings indicate a need for stronger policy measures that can reduce the health risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure.
"Many homeowners do not understand the differences between MERV ratings and how these might impact your health," Dr. Stowell says. "Policymakers should consider delivering better information to the public—such as the types and ratings of filters that perform better—especially for those who reside in smoke-prone regions."
Given that marginalized populations appear to be disproportionately burdened by the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure, economic assistance should also be considered, she says, particularly for low-income populations residing in smoke-prone regions. "Considering the current fires in CA, local and state governments should heighten their responses to these events and develop plans and policies to reduce exposure before the fires occur," Dr. Stowell says.
The study's senior author is Dr. Gregory Wellenius, professor of environmental health and director of the Center for Climate and Health at BUSPH. The study was coauthored by Dr. Ian Sue Wing, professor of earth and environment at CAS; Dr. Yasmin Romitti, staff scientist at the Health Effects Institute, and Dr. Patrick Kinney, Beverly Brown Professor of Urban Health at BUSPH.
"Many homeowners do not understand the differences between MERV ratings and how these might impact your health," Dr. Stowell says. "Policymakers should consider delivering better information to the public—such as the types and ratings of filters that perform better—especially for those who reside in smoke-prone regions."
Given that marginalized populations appear to be disproportionately burdened by the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure, economic assistance should also be considered, she says, particularly for low-income populations residing in smoke-prone regions. "Considering the current fires in CA, local and state governments should heighten their responses to these events and develop plans and policies to reduce exposure before the fires occur," Dr. Stowell says.
The study's senior author is Dr. Gregory Wellenius, professor of environmental health and director of the Center for Climate and Health at BUSPH. The study was coauthored by Dr. Ian Sue Wing, professor of earth and environment at CAS; Dr. Yasmin Romitti, staff scientist at the Health Effects Institute, and Dr. Patrick Kinney, Beverly Brown Professor of Urban Health at BUSPH.
More information: Jennifer D Stowell et al, Emergency department visits in California associated with wildfire PM2.5: differing risk across individuals and communities, Environmental Research: Health (2024). DOI: 10.1088/2752-5309/ad976d
Biofilm busters: Plant-derived molecule stops bacteria from forming protective biofilms on surfaces
If your teeth have ever felt fuzzy after skipping a brushing, you've encountered biofilm—a slimy bacterial layer that clings to surfaces. In medical settings, biofilms make infections harder to treat when they form protective shields for bacteria on devices like catheters and implants.
UC Riverside scientists have now discovered a chemical that plants produce when they're stressed prevents biofilm from forming. The breakthrough offers potential advances in health care as well as preventing equipment corrosion in industrial settings.
"In simple terms, biofilms are communities of microorganisms, like bacteria or fungi, that stick together and form a protective layer on surfaces," said Katayoon Dehesh, distinguished professor of molecular biochemistry at UCR, and corresponding author of a study about the discovery.
"You've probably seen them as the slimy layer on river rocks or the plaque on your teeth. While they're a natural part of many ecosystems, biofilms can cause big problems."
UC Riverside scientists have now discovered a chemical that plants produce when they're stressed prevents biofilm from forming. The breakthrough offers potential advances in health care as well as preventing equipment corrosion in industrial settings.
"In simple terms, biofilms are communities of microorganisms, like bacteria or fungi, that stick together and form a protective layer on surfaces," said Katayoon Dehesh, distinguished professor of molecular biochemistry at UCR, and corresponding author of a study about the discovery.
"You've probably seen them as the slimy layer on river rocks or the plaque on your teeth. While they're a natural part of many ecosystems, biofilms can cause big problems."
The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, highlights the importance of a particular metabolite, which is a molecule produced during life-sustaining chemical reactions inside plants, as well as bacteria and even some parasites, like the one that causes malaria.
"By preventing the early stages of biofilm development, this molecule offers real potential to improve outcomes in any industries reliant on clean surfaces," Dehesh said.
- In plants, this metabolite, MEcPP, plays a critical role not only in producing essential compounds but also in stress signaling.
- For example, when a plant is damaged in some way and too much oxygen enters its cells, it accumulates MEcPP.
- This molecule then triggers protective responses within the plant.
- The researchers discovered that this same molecule has a surprising effect on bacteria like E. coli: it disrupts biofilm development by interfering with its ability to attach to surfaces.
"By preventing the early stages of biofilm development, this molecule offers real potential to improve outcomes in any industries reliant on clean surfaces," Dehesh said.
Bacteria rely on hair-like structures called fimbriae to anchor themselves to surfaces, a critical step in biofilm initiation. Fimbriae help bacteria latch onto medical implants, pipes, or even teeth, where they secrete a protective matrix that shields them from antibiotics and cleaning agents. Without fimbriae, biofilm formation cannot begin.
"Biofilms are like fortresses for bacteria," said Jingzhe Guo, UCR project scientist and first author of the paper. "By disrupting the initial phase of attachment, MEcPP essentially disarms the bacteria's ability to establish these fortresses."
"Biofilms are like fortresses for bacteria," said Jingzhe Guo, UCR project scientist and first author of the paper. "By disrupting the initial phase of attachment, MEcPP essentially disarms the bacteria's ability to establish these fortresses."
Through genetic screenings of more than 9,000 bacterial mutants, the research team identified a key gene called fimE, which acts as an "off switch" for fimbriae production. MEcPP enhances the activity of this gene and increases the expression of fimE. This, in turn, prevents the bacteria from producing fimbriae and forming biofilms.
- "Our discovery could inspire biofilm prevention strategies across a wide range of industries," Guo said.
- "From cleaner water systems to better dental care products, the possibilities are immense."
Biofilms are not only a medical concern but also a costly problem in industrial settings. They contribute to clogged pipelines, corroded machinery, and contamination in food processing facilities. Traditional methods for managing biofilms often rely on harsh chemicals or expensive treatments, which can be harmful to the environment or ineffective over time as bacteria adapt.
"This study is a testament to the unexpected connections between plant biology and microbiology," Guo said. "It's thrilling to think a molecule that plants use to signal stress might one day help humans combat bacterial threats."
"This study is a testament to the unexpected connections between plant biology and microbiology," Guo said. "It's thrilling to think a molecule that plants use to signal stress might one day help humans combat bacterial threats."
More information: Jingzhe Guo et al, An evolutionarily conserved metabolite inhibits biofilm formation in Escherichia coli K-12, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54501-w
Journal information: Nature Communications
Brightly colored creature—kept in pet aquariums globally—discovered as new species
Far from its home in Indonesia, a brightly colored creature moved around in an aquarium. Scientists peered into the tank, studying their pet-turned-specimen—and discovered it was a new species.
PLANTS & ANIMALS
22 HOURS AGO
Plant hormones that help roots reach deeper water provide potential strategy for drought-resistant crops
Scientists have discovered how plants adapt their root systems in drought conditions to grow steeper into the soil to access deeper water reserves.
MOLECULAR & COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
19 HOURS AGO
New device harnesses microwave flow reaction to convert biomass into useful sugars
Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a device that combines a catalyst and microwave flow reaction to efficiently convert complex polysaccharides into simple monosaccharides. The device utilizes a continuous-flow ...
BIOCHEMISTRY
19 HOURS AGO
Neuroplasticity linked to PTSD resilience in Paris terror attack
Normandie University researchers have identified critical links between the brain's inhibitory memory control mechanisms and resilience to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They examined how the hippocampus and prefrontal ...
Sustainable cement: An electrochemical process to help neutralize cement industry CO₂ emissions
Cement production is the second-largest industrial contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, but its carbon footprint could be dramatically reduced with a new low-cost, scalable approach demonstrated at the University ...
ENGINEERING
2 HOURS AGO
Smart glasses enter new era with sleeker designs, lower prices
Producers of hi-tech connected eyewear are multiplying their innovations with increasingly discreet models in an attempt to make a difference in a highly competitive—and fast-emerging—market.
CONSUMER & GADGETS
2 HOURS AGO
Clinical trial highlights promising new treatment for intestinal worms
A new tablet combining albendazole and ivermectin is safe and more effective than albendazole alone in treating Trichuris trichiura and other soil-transmitted helminths (STH), according to a clinical trial conducted by the ...
MEDICATIONS
13 HOURS AGO
Patient care declines after private equity buys hospitals, study finds
In a paper published in JAMA, health policy experts at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) report that patient care experience worsened after private equity (PE) acquisition of US hospitals, as did patient-reported ...
HEALTH
23 HOURS AGO
No comments:
Post a Comment