Study uncovers concerning source of $200 billion in health damages: 'Associated with increased morbidity and mortality risk'
Smoke from wildfires and prescribed burns in the United States caused $200 billion in health damages and was linked to 20,000 premature deaths in 2017 alone, according to Carnegie Mellon University.
A new study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment reveals the staggering human toll of fire smoke. While most U.S. air pollution sources have decreased since the late 20th century, wildfire pollution has increased.
The damages were almost evenly split between wildfires (predominantly in the West) and prescribed burns (mainly in the Southeast). Senior citizens were hit hardest, representing just 16% of the population but suffering 75% of the damage.
"Many studies have found that fire smoke, like other air pollutants, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality risk. But until recently, the associated social costs were less well understood," explained Nicholas Muller, Carnegie Mellon's Lester and Judith Lave Professor of Economics, Engineering, and Public Policy.
Fire smoke creates dangerous fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that penetrates deep into your lungs and bloodstream. Any long-term exposure to PM2.5 increases your risk of premature death.
The health impacts aren't distributed equally. While seniors face the greatest risks overall, Native American and Black communities experience the highest damages per capita within most age groups. This pattern highlights how environmental hazards often affect already vulnerable populations most severely.
When you breathe in smoke-polluted air, you're exposing yourself to a cocktail of harmful compounds, including ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, all of which contribute to dangerous PM2.5 concentrations.
Researchers suggest several practical approaches to protect people from smoke exposure. Communities can expand real-time air quality monitoring and enhance public outreach through trusted local leaders to keep you informed during smoke events.
You can improve your home's air quality by investing in filtration technologies. Public spaces such as senior centers in low-income neighborhoods could be equipped as clean air shelters during heavy smoke days.
Simple personal protection measures help, too. Using N95 masks during smoke events can protect you if you can't access safe indoor spaces. This is especially important if you work outdoors.
Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home?
Yes — always
Yes — often
Yes — sometimes
No — never
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
Policymakers are beginning to recognize smoke as a major public health issue rather than a seasonal nuisance. By combining community-based solutions with individual protection measures, you can help reduce the devastating health impacts of fire smoke while broader climate actions address the root causes of increasingly frequent and intense wildfires.
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
6 Ways You Can Control Microplastics From Getting Into Your Food
As you cook, store food and even brew your morning coffee or tea, you may be inadvertently adding microplastics to your food and drinks. These tiny plastic particles are increasingly showing up not only in our food but also in our bodies (Heads up: they've been found throughout the body, from the brain to the blood, liver and placenta). A big way microplastics get into our food is through contaminated soil, water and air. But it can also happen right in the kitchen, through simple daily habits that you likely have a lot of control over. Whether you're chopping veggies on a plastic cutting board or reheating last night's dinner in a plastic container, you may be increasing your exposure to microplastics. As of now, a lot more research is needed to get a better understanding of how microplastics and nanoplastics might directly affect or harm human health. But some early research results allow us to see that the potential health consequences may not be great. For example, research findings from one observational study show that microplastics found in arteries may potentially increase the risk of having a stroke and heart disease. If you're concerned about your microplastic exposure — and how your kitchen habits may be playing a role — we have some good news. In most cases, you can lean into some simple, plastic-free swaps. Here are six ways microplastics might be making their way into your food and drinks due to your kitchen habits, and what you can use instead. Many people rely on plastic cutting boards because they're nonporous and can be easier to clean. But this may not be the best idea. When you cut food on a plastic cutting board, you're often putting microplastics directly into your food. And research shows that the stronger the cut, the more microplastics are released. 'Plastic cutting boards are one of the biggest exposure rates and one of the easiest things to switch out,' said Jennifer Brandon, a microplastics expert, oceanographer and founder of Wild Beacon Consulting. In a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers found that people may be exposed to up to 50 grams of microplastics each year from using plastic chopping boards in the kitchen. 'For reference, a credit card is five grams, so that's a lot of plastic,' Brandon said. Consider using a wood or bamboo cutting board. If much of your meal prep involves reheating food in plastic containers, you may want to change your ways. When many plastic storage containers areheated, microplastics canleach into your food. Plastic containers that are safe to use in the microwave are typically labeled 'microwave safe,' according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But take-out containers, yogurt containers, margarine tubs and other containers designed for one-time use should not be used in the microwave, they say. Still, many experts have cautioned against heating food in plastic containers, even if they're labeled microwave safe. 'There was a study that heated a plastic food container with just water in it, and they found more than 10 million microplastics that were leached into the water that was in that container,' said Victoria Fulfer, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Rhode Island and researcher specializing in microplastic pollution at the 5 Gyres Institute. Heating bags of frozen vegetables right in their plastic packaging isn't the greatest idea, either. Similar to microwave-safe plastic containers, packages of vegetables labeled as microwave safe should be fine to use. But there's not a lot of research available on this, and many experts advise against heating food in plastic. 'When you're heating them up, it's causing the bonds in the plastic to break, and that allows microplastics and nanoplastics and also those chemicals in the plastic to get directly into your food,' Fulfer said. 'And that can be a big problem because those are really small particles.' A recent class-action lawsuit against Ziploc's parent company alleges that the company's 'microwave safe' marketing claims are misleading due to the potential for releasing microplastics when heated — however, the company maintains that the products are safe. Swap out your plastic storage containers for oven or microwave-safe glass containers. These do not leach microplastics or chemicals into your food and are generally more durable. And rather than heating plastic veggies directly in their plastic packaging, transfer them to a glass container to heat them in the microwave or to a pan for heating on the stove. Do you tend to store your snacks and leftovers in plastic storage bags? If so, it may be time to find an alternative. 'These plastics are soft, so they shed plastic flakes easily, which can become a considerable health risk for those that often use these types of bags,' said Bryan Quoc Le, food scientist and food industry consultant. In a 2020 study published in Scientific Reports, researchers found that simply opening plastic packaging — whether through snipping with scissors, tearing a bag, twisting or cutting with a knife — can generate microplastics. The amount generated varied depending on the thickness of the plastic packaging, but the researchers noted that this sends a warning about the importance of using care when opening plastic packaging for those who are concerned about microplastics. Use reusable silicone bags, stainless steel or glass containers or beeswax wraps. Plastic wrap can release plastic particles into food, 'especially when placed directly against hot food, since it is such a soft plastic,' Le said. 'Depending on factors such as the temperature and moisture of the food, this could pose serious problems because some of the plastic wrap could actually melt onto the food, which would become a major hazard.' Cover your food loosely with aluminum foil (but do not put this in the microwave), or use reusable silicone stretch wraps, beeswax wraps or a glass container with a lid. Do you still cook with plastic utensils? Research shows that these release substantial amounts of microplastic particles with normal use, which can then be ingested with food. When heated, this is an even bigger problem. 'As we use them on our hot pans — you've probably noticed if you use them at home — they start to melt a little, and plastic will come off of them,' Fulfer said. Ditch your plastic cooking utensils and switch to products made of wood or metal, depending on what type of pan you're cooking with. Many tea bags are made of a type of plastic called polypropylene. When you brew these tea bags in water that's been heated to a high temperature, the bag can begin to break down and release microplastics. Others made of nylon and cellulose have also been found to release microplastics. Researchers in Spain and Canada, for example, found that plastic tea bags may release millions or even billions of microplastic particles when steeped in hot water. 'The danger of this is that these millions of microplastics and nanoplastics can enter the bloodstream and [gastrointestinal] tract, and can be quite small, and may be small enough to cross the blood/brain barrier, as we have seen with other nanoplastics,' Brandon said. The safest option is to brew loose leaf tea in a glass or metal tea infuser or kettle. If you want to stick with tea bags, look for teas labeled as plastic free or those made of natural materials like 100% cotton, hemp or paper. If you go this route, keep in mind that while these shed fewer microplastics than those made of plastic, even paper tea bags are not always plastic-free. If You're Wondering How Microplastics Even Get In Your Food, Read This New Study Finds Big Increase In Microplastics Found In Human Brains You Can't Totally Avoid Microplastics, But These 7 Things Can Help
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sickle Cell Awareness: Hampton Roads teen siblings diagnosed at birth
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Sickle Cell Disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting the lives of 100,000 people, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teen siblings, Morgan Tarrer, 15, and Olivia Tarrer, 19, of Virginia Beach represent that number. Data from the CDC also shows approximately 1 in 365 Black or African American newborns are born with SCD, which is the case for Morgan and Olivia, whose parents are carriers. The two were diagnosed at birth and are left with no choice but to embrace their condition as there is still no cure. 'So I have an abnormality of my Hemoglobin,' says Khristina Reid, Virginia Sickle Cell Network founder and mother of Morgan and Olivia. 'So I carry the C-gene, and Olivia and Morgan's dad, he carries the S-gene. Together our children have both genes. The S and C-gene. So they live with Hemoglobin S-C Disease. While there have been many advances in treating sickle cell disease, the reality for the siblings and others is reduced life expectancy and the probability of health complications. 'It's something that I've found is always on your mind,' says Olivia. 'I'm in college. I'm up in New York, so I'm very far from my family. And I've realized, especially living in dorms, being around with friends, that you have to be extra, extra careful. Because with sickle cell, you're very, immunocompromised.' CDC finding reveal, more than 90% of people diagnosed with sickle cell in the US are non-Hispanic black or African American. 'So the reason is, sickle cell disease was the body's kind of defense mechanism against malaria,' says Reid. 'So you will find the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease in your, locations that are near the equator. So Nigeria right now is the, largest country, with the largest population of people living with sickle cell disease.' Those diagnosed with SCD can range in symptoms from frequent infections, anemia, episodes of pain, problems with vision and tiredness. Olivia's says she experiences a great deal of fatigue. While she remains optimistic, there's always concern about her years ahead. 'That has been a problem in school for me,' she says. 'I remember last not last year, but my senior year of high school. All through high school, it was a struggle getting to school because we had it so early. I think the most challenging part is uncertainty about the future. I'm in film. I'm a NYU film, and it's a very physical job. It's also a very, You have to be up early, go to sleep late. And that's when I do that. When I am on set, it's very strenuous, and I worry that I won't be able to be at the same caliber, as my peers.' For information on the Virginia Sickle Cell Network, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CNET
9 hours ago
- CNET
Which Plant-Based Milk is Best: Oat Milk, Almond Milk or Coconut Milk
There are many reasons you could chose to look for a nondairy milk option. From health reasons to environmental concerns, no matter the reason there are lots of choices. Soy milk, hemp milk and a wide range of other plant-based milks mean there are a variety of flavors to choose from. Maria Sylvester Terry, a registered dietitian, shares her thoughts on 10 (10!) different plant-based milks you can try as an alternative to dairy milk. Read more: Vegan Cheese: As Good As the Real Thing? Soy milk Getty Images "If someone's looking for a dairy milk substitute, soy milk is the plant-based option that is the closest," Terry says. "Soy is an incredible food that naturally contains numerous nutrients, whereas other plant-based milks may need additional enrichment of vitamins and minerals." Plus, soy milk is one of the most widely available and it's a budget-friendly milk alternative, so it's accessible for more people. Pros Soy is a plant-based complete protein, which means it contains all 10 essential amino acids. It's inexpensive compared to other plant-based milks. Cons For some folks the flavor of soy milk is an initial hurdle, but choosing a flavored variety may help overcome this. Soy milk does not naturally contain as much calcium as dairy milk, so look for calcium-fortified options if that's important to you. Read more: These Pro Athletes Went Vegan: Why They Switched and How You Can, Too Almond milk Getty Images Almond milk is everywhere. I'd venture to guess that it's used just as much, if not more, than soy milk these days. "Due to its status as the go-to plant-based milk, you'll find it everywhere, from coffee shops to corner stores to wholesale grocery stores," Terry says, which makes almond milk one of the best plant-based milks simply because it's so accessible. Pros Almond milk contains omega-3 fatty acids that are important for heart health, as well as the antioxidant It's naturally low in sugar. It's a fairly versatile and accessible option that's available in a variety of flavors. Cons Despite almonds themselves being a nutritious whole food with protein and fat, almond milk is not considered a source of protein, Terry says. This is because almonds are stripped of many of their nutrients during the "milking" process. If you're looking to replace calcium-rich dairy milk with almond milk, you'll want to ensure you're getting calcium in your diet from other foods. Check the label for additives and gums Oat milk Olivia Geyelin With its creamy consistency, oat milk is an optimal dairy milk substitute in baked goods, soups, lattes and more. This plant-based milk has more carbohydrates than other options, Terry says, which makes for a good pre- or post-workout drink. Oat milk has more fiber than some other plant milks, including almond, rice and coconut milks. If you're into sustainability, oat milk is considered one of the more sustainable milk alternatives. Pros Oat milk contains naturally occurring fiber and protein, and it's fortified with nutrients such as vitamins A, B2, B12 and D, as well as minerals calcium and phosphorus. It's an allergen-friendly option that doesn't contain lactose, nuts or soy. If it's made with certified gluten-free oats, it's a safe option for those with Celiac disease It's easy to make at home Cons While some people love the flavor and thick texture, other people find it a turn-off. Luckily, you can try several different brands and flavors to find one you like, or just choose another plant milk. Clearly, they're plentiful! Oats are a nutritious food, but drinking oat milk shouldn't be equated with eating whole oats. Some of the nutrients are lost in processing, Terry says. Cashew milk Getty Images This is a "versatile plant-based option with a creamy texture," according to Terry, and its price is on par with almond milk. It's also available in most grocery stores. Cashew milk has a nuttier taste than most plant-based milks and it's rather sweet. If you prefer a subtler taste, cashew milk might not be the right choice for you. Pros Homemade cashew milk packs 20% of your daily needs of magnesium Some store-bought varieties contain more calcium than dairy milk. Cons There can be a big difference in nutritional profiles between store-bought cashew milk and homemade, Terry says. Homemade varieties are usually higher in fiber, protein and fat. Store-bought cashew milk may be lower in calories than homemade cashew milk, but it may also have less protein and healthy fats. Cashew milk is not a good dairy replacement if you're looking for plant-based milk with high protein content. Macadamia milk Getty Images Because macadamia milk has a "more balanced flavor compared to other nut milks, it could be used on a more frequent basis and in various foods and beverages, " Terry says, whereas other plant milks with stronger flavors (like cashew milk) have limited uses. Pros Nutritionally, macadamia milk has generous amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Its consistency tends to be on the thicker side, making it a stronger choice for coffee drinks. A macadamia milk latte might hit the spot. Cons It's pricier compared to more mainstream plant-based milks, such as almond and soy. It's also not in as many stores as more popular milk alternatives, so it's not as accessible. The higher fat content makes this a higher-calorie nut milk, which isn't inherently a bad thing, but something to be mindful of if you're trying to lose weight. Banana milk Mooala Yes, banana milk is a thing, and it's actually rather yummy (if you like bananas). Taste-wise, banana milk compares to sipping on a "healthified" milkshake. It's sweet, slightly fruity and super-creamy. Banana milk is a "fun choice to add flavor to smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, and maybe even your coffee," Terry says. "Can you imagine banana milk with Honey Nut Cheerios?" Pros Banana milk packs 8% of your daily needs for potassium, 25% of daily calcium needs (fortified, not naturally occurring) and contains vitamins B6 and C. It has a sweet, creamy banana flavor without added sugar (unless you opt for the chocolate flavor). Banana milk is easy to make at home. Cons Currently there's only one brand you can buy in stores, Mooala. As banana milk grows in popularity, other companies will probably jump on the bandwagon. However, until that happens, accessibility to store-bought banana milk may be limited for some. Banana milk lacks vitamin D compared to other plant milks, most of which are fortified with vitamin D. Rice milk Getty Images Rice milk is an allergy-friendly option for those who need to avoid nuts, seeds, soy or lactose, explains Terry. It's also a widely accessible option sold in various grocery stores. Rice milk has the highest carbohydrate content of all the plant-based milks on this list (not including sweetened and flavored options), but that's not a bad thing unless you need to watch your carb intake for health reasons. Pros Rice milk is inexpensive. It's fortified with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B12 and D, and calcium. It has a mild flavor that's lightly sweet and versatile. Cons Rice milk is known to have a watery consistency. It may contain added sugars, gums and additives for flavor, consistency and shelf-life. Check the label for ingredients if you're looking to avoid specific additives. It is not a source of protein. Pea milk Ripple Another great allergy-friendly option, pea milk is made from yellow peas and is naturally soy-, gluten-, lactose-, and nut-free. Ripple is the best-known maker of pea milk, and Ripple milk has a pretty impressive nutrient profile compared to other plant milks. Pros Pea milk is high in protein -- eight ounces of Ripple pea milk contains eight grams of protein, making this a "solid choice for those looking for a protein-rich milk or a dairy substitute," Terry says. Pea protein is rich in branched-chain amino acids. It's a good source of omega-3s (from algal oil) and calcium. It provides vitamins A and D Cons It has a chalky sensation and aftertaste, according to some. Certain types and flavors of pea milk are high in sugar. Hemp milk Pacific Foods Soy was once the only known plant-based source of a complete protein, but hemp seeds provide all 10 essential amino acids, too. The flavor is earthy and nutty, and as with all plant-based milks, some will love it while others won't. Pros Hemp seeds contain ample magnesium, folate, phosphorus and potassium. Store-bought options tend to be fortified with additional calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A, B12 and D. Higher in unsaturated healthy fats (omega-3 and omega-6) than other plant milks. Cons Hemp is known to interact with certain prescription medications. The high fat content in hemp may lead to digestive upset if you consume too much at once, but this is unlikely to happen with hemp milk, since it's not concentrated hemp. Coconut milk Getty Images Coconut milk is less of a drinking beverage and more of an ingredient for cooking, but some varieties of coconut milk do taste good on their own. As far as accessibility, you can probably get coconut milk at your local grocery store. Pros Coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides and is loaded with minerals, including manganese, magnesium, potassium, copper and selenium. It's high in fiber compared to other plant-based milks. Versatile -- You can find many varieties of coconut milk available for different culinary needs, such as drinks, sauces, baking, cooking. Cons Higher in calories and fat. Again, this isn't inherently bad, but it-could be a con for some, depending on personal health needs, goals and lifestyle choices. It's not a protein-rich milk. Which plant-based milk is best? Getty Images "When it comes to choosing the most well-rounded option for the combination of nutrition, sustainability and versatility, oat milk and hemp milk come out on top in my opinion," Terry says. With so many plant-based milks on the market, it can be hard to find "the one," but unless you don't have access to multiple variations, you don't have to stick to just one type. "Various plant-based milks means diverse uses, culinary benefits and nutritional benefits," Terry says. "You may have one for your coffee, one for smoothies, one for baking, one for cooking [and] making sauces." If you're looking for a protein-rich, plant-based milk to replace dairy milk, Terry recommends soy milk or pea milk. Most plant-based milks are fortified with calcium and other vitamins and minerals to match or even surpass the nutritional quality of cow's milk, so protein becomes the main factor. Oh, and don't be scared of the gums and emulsifiers you see on the ingredients lists of plant-based milks. While these ingredients may cause digestive upset for some people, they're harmless for most people, Terry says. You may have heard phrases like "Don't eat ingredients that you can't pronounce" or "If you can't recognize it, neither can your body." In 2016, for example, an ad campaign attempted to demonize the additives in almond milk by scaring watchers into thinking lecithin was a shady ingredient. "These phrases are neither helpful nor accurate," Terry says. "For example, plant milks may contain added 'alpha-tocopherols' which, sure, may be hard to pronounce, but is simply a type of vitamin E." Finally, look out for sweetened flavors when shopping for plant-based milks. You might toss a harmless-looking chocolate almond milk carton into your basket, only to realize later that one eight-ounce glass has as much sugar as a candy bar. As always, reading nutrition labels can help you make healthy decisions.
