A dangerous combination of fine particulate matter and toxic surface-level ozone—both forms of air pollution that can be produced or worsened by wildfires—spread across the Western states, causing the highest recorded population exposure.
Unseen dangers accompanied deadly flames in the record-breaking wildfire season that raged across the U.S. West in 2020.
As the fires peaked on Aug. 21, 2020, scientists estimated that a record-breaking 46 million people—half the population of the western U.S.—were exposed to dangerous combinations of ozone and particulate matter pollution. The study, led by doctoral student Dmitri Kalashnikov of Washington State University and published yesterday in the journal Science Advances, examines two decades of data on air pollution, wildfire activity and weather conditions across the western U.S.
They also increase the odds of wildfires, which produce large volumes of particulate matter and also increase the production of ozone. The new study doesn’t delve into why atmospheric ridging is happening more often, but some research suggests climate change is part of the reason. Climate change is also driving temperatures higher across the western U.S., making these events more severe.The result—more combined air pollution events—is a big concern for human health. The study suggests that the population exposed to these events has dramatically increased over the last 20 years.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
EPA's First New Air Pollutant Addition in 30 Years Reveals Agency Failings: Critics'This isn't proof that our environmental laws are working,' said one public health advocate. 'It's proof that they aren't.'
Weiterlesen »
Hawaii's Todd Graham under scrutiny in state Senate hearing over alleged toxic culture in football programHawaii football coach Todd Graham was scrutinized in a state Senate hearing Friday as his future with the Rainbow Warriors hangs in the balance ahead of the 2022 season.
Weiterlesen »
Julia Fox Clears the Air About Her ExCovering the sh*t you like since 1984.
Weiterlesen »
The year political tribalism proved toxicIn the response to Jan. 6 and to COVID vaccinations, political tribalism has shown what a toxic danger it poses to democracy.
Weiterlesen »
Colorado wildfire destroyed 1,084 homes worth a combined half-billion dollars, new assessment showsThe number of homes destroyed in the Marshall fire now exceeds 1,000 with a total value of more than $500 million, cementing its status as the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history, accordi…
Weiterlesen »