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go to Environment( parent category ) Environment Natural Disasters

Natural disasters pose a significant threat to the health of the public, resulting in infrastructure damage, displacement, injury, and even death.

01.24.2025 Wildfire in a forest with large flames leaving a large cloud of black and white smoke

Impact of Wildfires on Skin Conditions

Chronic exposure to air pollutants contributes to and worsens skin conditions, highlighting yet another ill effect of a changing climate.

Fellow Lia Musumeci

10.05.2023 graphs showing the increasing amounts of smoke exposure due to wildfires from 2011-2021

Fire Is Catching

Smoke exposure from wildfires does not affect communities equally, with areas with higher social vulnerability scores experiencing the greatest health risks after exposure.

Fellow Kara Schmidt

09.21.2023 line graph depicting the distance of inpatient facilities from fire threat zones in California

Burning Threat to Hospitals

In California, approximately 50% of inpatient hospital beds are located within one mile of a high fire threat zone. As wildfire season continues to grow longer and more severe, hospitals need wildfire evacuation plans.

Fellow Caroline Dignard

02.22.2023 palm trees with dark clouds in the background

Huddling With Families After Disaster

Staying in close proximity with others in the wake of natural disasters can support mental health and deter harmful behaviors.

Guest Authors Weiguang Wang, Natasha Foutz, Guodong Gao