When extreme heat and wildfire smoke combine, they pose a greater threat to cardiovascular and respiratory systems, particularly impacting certain communities more than others. The reasons behind this are complex, including structural racism, discriminatory practices, lack of medical insurance, and a higher prevalence of multiple coexisting conditions.
Factors such as infrastructure, surrounding environment, and available resources also play a role. Access to air conditioning, tree canopy cover, and buildings with smoke-filtering capabilities can provide better protection. Additionally, areas with cooling centers, like libraries, offer added safety.
According to Tarik Benmarhnia, a climate change epidemiologist at UC San Diego, living in a remote area with limited access to social services or amenities can exacerbate the impact of susceptibility to health issues.
Experts are warning that climate change will lead to more frequent and intense occurrences of extreme weather events, such as droughts, heat waves, and wildfires, further exacerbating the risks posed by extreme heat and wildfire smoke.
Post from phys.org