Earlier this spring, World Forestry Center premiered a two-part discussion on the public health impacts of wildfire smoke. The two pre-recorded conversations brought together experts in public health research, policy, and advocacy to discuss the latest data on the impacts of smoke and what actions can be taken to support communities most at risk.
“World Forestry Center wanted to host this program because we see public health as one of the most critical and timely issues in the wildfire conversation,” said Tim Hecox, World Forestry Center’s Director of Experience.
“In my view, wildfire smoke exposure is likely to be THE main impact of climate change that many folks in the US are going to feel in the next few decades.”
Dr. Marshall Burke, Stanford University
“Pound-for-pound wildfire smoke is much more toxic on the lungs compared to an equal weight of normal ambient pollution.”
Dr. Shehnaz Hussain, UC Davis
“Farmworkers are constantly outside when wildfire season is starting. There is a lot of uncertainty and concern around what this means for their long-term health.”
Ira Cuello-Martinez, Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN)
“We all need to be prepared, whether we’re on the West Coast or the East Coast, smoke is going to travel.”
Susan Lyon Stone, Environmental Protection Agency
“When you think about the cost of action relative to the cost of inaction, we need to be taking this seriously and investing in ways to protect people, especially those who are most vulnerable.”
Dr. Tom Corringham, Scripps Institution of Oceanography