Latest news with #healthimpacts
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Wildfire Health Impacts Can Last For Months Afterwards, Study Finds
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 7: People wear masks as they wait for the tramway to Roosevelt Island as ... More smoke from Canadian wildfires casts a haze over the area on June 7, 2023 in New York City. Air pollution alerts were issued across the United States due to smoke from wildfires that have been burning in Canada for weeks. (Photo by Eduardo) The health impacts of being exposed to air pollution from wildfires can last for months, even after a fire has ended, according to a new analysis. The study by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found exposure to PM2.5 particle pollution from wildfire smoke can have health effects up to three months after the blazes have ended, well beyond the couple of days that previous studies have identified. According to the study, medium-term exposure to PM2.5 from wildfire smoke has been associated with increased risks for various conditions, including ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and asthma. The study also showed larger effects in neighborhoods with more vegetation or more economic disadvantages, as well as among people who have smoked at any point in their life. The researchers examined hospitalization records for the residents of 15 states between 2006–2016, and daily PM2.5 estimations. They found a three-month exposure to smoke PM2.5 was associated with increased hospitalization risks for most cardiorespiratory diseases In addition, the results for single-month lagged exposures suggested that estimated effects persisted up to three months after exposure. Dr. Yaguang Wei, assistant professor of environmental medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine said studies in the past have tended to focus on the short-term impacts of wildfire emissions in an interview. But Dr. Wei added larger wildfires can burn for up to a month and even after they have ended, particle emissions will remain the air and for another couple of weeks, which potentially means people could be exposed to air pollution over a period of several months. He said the report also highlights how some communities, particularly those with more unemployment, lower housing quality and higher levels of poverty can be more impacted by wildfire smoke. Dr. Wei said the study also highlights how many wildfires management strategies are outdated and place too much emphasis on protecting property, when they should put more emphasis on public health. 'Greater effort should be placed on wildfire management rather than relying solely on traditional air quality control strategies in response to the increasing wildfire activity,' he added. The dean for public health and chair of the Department of Public Health at Mount Sinai, Dr. Rosalind J. Wright said in a statement: 'The public and clinicians should take preventive measures during and after wildfires, such as wearing masks and using high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which are becoming more affordable. 'Findings from this study underscore the need to continue such preventive measure for a prolonged period after the fires have ended. 'Collaborative efforts across federal, state, and local levels are essential to safeguard the health of communities nationwide,' added Dr. Wright. The chief executive and co-founder of Komodo Health, Dr. Arif Nathoo said the health consequences of wildfires linger long after the smoke clears in an email. Dr. Nathoo added Komodo Health's own research into the 2018 Northern California wildfires found that pediatric asthma-related emergency visits rose by 27% during the 14-day smoke wave, with asthma exacerbations for Hispanic and Latino children increasing by 95% compared to the baseline. 'The critical takeaway is that early signals can now guide timely interventions,' he said.
Bloomberg
29-05-2025
- Climate
- Bloomberg
Searing Heat in California and the US West Threatens to Break Temperature Records
A short-lived heat wave will send temperatures soaring across California and the US West through the weekend, elevating power demand and raising the risk of health impacts. At least 26 daily records may be broken or tied across the West on Friday and Saturday, with temperatures forecast to reach 102F (39C) in California's capital of Sacramento and 105F in Fresno to the south, the National Weather Service said.
The Sun
29-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Half of Brits are slacking on their dental care with flossing among most common problems, survey reveals
HALF of adults are cutting corners on their dental care, with experts warning of huge health impacts people may not realise until it is too late. A fifth of those surveyed in a recent poll report opting for a quick swig of mouthwash over brushing their teeth, with 12 per cent even admitting to having used their finger as an alternative tooth brush. 2 A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 45 per cent do not bother flossing, 41 per cent only brush once a day, data which has dental experts worried for people's long-term health. Nearly two in 10 (18 per cent) brush their teeth for half or less of the recommended time they should – two minutes - just enough to freshen the taste of their mouth, rather than a full clean. Reasons for this include laziness (33 per cent), running late for something (22 per cent), and not feeling well (26 per cent). Meanwhile, more than one in 10 (11 per cent) admit to never having cleaned between their teeth, using floss or other products in their entire adult life. Rosemarie Maka, from Philips Sonicare, which commissioned the research, said: 'Cutting corners when it comes to oral hygiene is something a lot of adults do – whether they admit it or not. 'But neglecting your oral hygiene can have huge health impacts, which is something people don't realise until it's too late. 'It's been interesting to find out that even something so quick and simple as brushing for the recommended two minutes or giving your teeth a quick floss is not part of Brit's everyday routine.' The study also revealed 79 per cent believe people get judged on their oral hygiene and appearance of their teeth. With 42 per cent assuming someone doesn't take care of themself if they have discoloured teeth, bad breath, or other mouth flaws. Nearly half (49 per cent) even go as far to say this could impact their romantic relationships, and 38 per cent say the same about employability. It also emerged exactly a quarter will only visit the dentist once a year, while 34 per cent admit they have never visited a hygienist - with one in 10 claiming they don't even know what one is. As a result of poor oral hygiene, 41 per cent have had a filling, 27 per cent a tooth extraction, and 17 per cent root canal treatment. Despite 21 per cent claiming they wouldn't know how to make improvements to their oral health, 72 per cent reckon theirs is in a healthy state overall. The data also found 23 per cent reckon poor oral hygiene has previously stopped them from doing something like talking to people (46 per cent), going on a date (29 per cent), and posting images on social media with their teeth showing (27 per cent). Philips Sonicare has partnered with The Hygiene Bank charity to donate £1 of its toothbrushes being sold through Boots. Dr Nilesh Parmar from the brand added: 'Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the simplest ways to protect your overall health. 'Skipping your daily brush, floss or even hygienist check-up can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and can even have links to heart disease and other serious health conditions. 'Dedicating two minutes, twice daily to your oral health routine can reap rewards; however, studies show that what most people think is two minutes is, on average, thirty seconds. 'I recommend to my patients to use an electric brush with an in-built two-minute timer or go back to basics and listen to a song that lasts two minutes while brushing or using an egg timer in the bathroom to track time.' TOP FIVE TIPS TO LOOK AFTER YOUR ORAL HYGIENE: 1. Brush for 2 minutes, twice a day Most people brush for less than a minute that's not enough. Aim for 2 full minutes, ideally morning and before bed, to ensure thorough cleaning. 2. Use a fluoride toothpaste Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent decay. Don't rinse your mouth immediately after brushing — spit, but let the fluoride stay on your teeth longer. 3. Be gentle don't scrub Brushing too hard can wear down enamel and damage your gums. Some electric toothbrushes have a sensor to inform you if you're brushing too hard. 4. Don't forget the gumline and back teeth Plaque often builds up along the gumline and on the molars. Tilt the brush at a 45° angle to reach the gumline effectively. 5. Change your electric toothbrush head every 3 months Worn-out bristles are less effective and can even harbour bacteria. Replace your toothbrush (or brush head) every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
