Impact of Wildfire Smoke Waves on Pediatric Asthma Emergencies

This research brief presents an analysis of the impact of wildfire smoke waves on pediatric asthma emergencies, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations. The study highlights a significant increase in asthma exacerbations and emergency department visits among children in the San Francisco Bay Area during the 2018 wildfire smoke wave. Key findings indicate a 76% increase in asthma exacerbations and a 27% rise in asthma-related ED visits. The research emphasizes racial disparities, with the highest increase in exacerbations observed among Hispanic/Latino children, followed by Asian American and Pacific Islander, and African American children. Additionally, the study outlines a correlation between socioeconomic factors, such as home ownership and education levels, and the risk of asthma-related health events. Children living in areas with lower economic security faced a notably higher risk of asthma-related ED visits. The methodology involved tracking health data from approximately 1.6 million pediatric asthma patients affected by the smoke wave, providing critical insights into the health impacts of climate change on children.