The COVID-19 Pandemic and Wildfire Smoke: Potentially Concomitant Disasters
Sarah B. Henderson
Abstract
As we enter the wildfire season in the northern hemisphere, the potential for a dangerous interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and smoke pollution should be recognized and acknowledged. This is challenging because the public health threat of COVID-19 is immediate and clear, whereas the public health threat of wildfire smoke seems distant and uncertain in comparison. However, we must start preparing now to effectively manage the combination of public health threats that we may face in the months ahead. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print June 18, 2020: e1-e3. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2020.305744).
Topics & Concepts
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)PandemicPublic health2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)SmokeEnvironmental healthGeographyMedicineMeteorologyVirologyOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)DiseaseNursingPathologyClimate Change and Health ImpactsFire effects on ecosystemsAir Quality and Health Impacts