The researchers say more than 400 deaths are linked to Los Angeles fires

The deadly forest fires that invaded Los Angeles this year are likely to contribute to hundreds of other deaths, says researchers who call for a better healthy tracking in the wake of natural disasters.

Since Canadian societies from BC to Newfoundland Battle Flames and Drift Smoke, new research from Jama Medical Journal draws attention to the long -term health effects associated with recent forest fires in Los Angeles and Maui, Hawaii.

A total of 30 people died directly from the wild fires that burned homes, cars and trees, according to the study.

Andrew Stock of the Boston University’s Public Health College and Finnish researchers now estimate that 440 other people have died due to the health conditions related to the fire.

Stoxus said this could be people with heart or lung conditions exacerbated by smoke. Mental health effects and delay in care may also have contributed.

In total, 6,371 deaths compared to 5,931 of the previous data were observed, bringing the total 440 “extra deaths”. The researchers admitted that the data was temporary and that the non -measured factors had played a role.

“Each of these statistics is an essential person with a family that is now bereaved as a result.”

Get a feeling Real burden He said that the health effects of forest fires, including cancer among firefighters who develop years later, may help give priority to disaster resources.

The need for a proactive approach

More than 100 people died directly from the MAUI fire in August 2023, which also left one in five people who were tracked in studying with lung damage after 14 months.

Dr. Sonia Angel, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg College for Public Health, called for a better tracking.

Angel said: “If we are hacked to the idea that the effect that the climate on health is really during the episodes, we are really lagging behind the eight ball. We really miss opportunities to improve health and prevent disease and death.”

Angel said that most people see severe air events such as forest fires, hurricanes or earthquakes as severe shocks at the present time. But the health risks do not end there.

“Our monitoring systems must be improved to be able to really understand the effect of climate and health, so that our health departments and our governments can be more active instead of interaction,” Angel said.

Angell gave an example of the function of the lung at risk after forest fires that need medical attention, but it may not have been included in official charges.

Dr. Courtney Howard, an emergency doctor at Yelonaiv who treats patients who have been harmed by wild smoke, said that following a new approach to showing the longest health effects of wild fires of forest fires is important.

“Many Canadians now have the experience of living in a smoke environment,” said Howard from Osoyus, BC.

She said that exposure to smoke can cause headaches and gonorrhea and irritate throat and cough. District health officials say that severe coughing, shortness of breath and palpitations in the heart and whistling are less common symptoms.

“I don’t want to fear people, but what is quite clear is that the smoke of the wildfire is toxic,” said Howard. “It is very bad for our lungs and we need to reduce our exposure as much as possible.”

At risk

Health Canada estimated to 240 annual deaths and $ 1.8 billion in healthcare costs due to short -term health effects of forest fires.

This week, health officials from BC to Newfoundland warned of the weak population, such as those over 65 years old, pregnant women, young children, people with essential medical conditions and those who physically practice themselves for work or sports, and they are considered a great danger suffering from healthy smoke effects.

Residents in the smoke areas are advised to limit their exposure:

• Maintaining windows and doors closed.

• Reducing outdoor and arduous activity.
• Turn off or use re -rotating settings on HVAC systems to prevent smoke from entering.

• Use the HEPA portable air detergent to filter the air in one area of the house.

• Check the attention and attention of those who suffer from weakness.

Howard said that the most dense forest fires in Canada reflect the effects of climate change from fossil fuel combustion and other types of greenhouse gas emissions.

“We still have the ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and put ourselves on a different path.”