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A Clinically Focused and Integrated Look at the Impact of Wildfire on the Cardiovascular-Pulmonary Systems

Hosted by: SOT Cardiovascular Toxicology and Inhalation and Respiratory Specialty Sections and The Collaborative Conferences Committee

Exposure to ambient air pollution is a leading cause of death worldwide. It has been linked globally to 7 million premature deaths and $5 trillion in costs per year. Air pollution exposure emerged as a leading cause of death worldwide that affects lung and cardiovascular functions and increases the risk for pulmonary and cardiovascular events. Although policies on the regulations of air pollution have decreased the levels of polluted air, due to climate change, the abundance of wildfires has increased. In the US, it is expected that, with the continuing climate change, the number of wildfires will increase by 50% by the year 2100. Climate change has not only extended the duration of the wildfire season but also led to more intensive wildfires due to extensive dry periods in the US and Europe. Wildfire smoke consists of a mixture of gaseous components (e.g., carbon monoxide), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, water vapor, and particulates, with particulate matter (PM) air pollution being the main component. These particles vary in shape and size and are made up of different components, such as inorganic and organic compounds, metals, and biological materials. Importantly, the harmful materials that are released by wildfires are not only a local hazard. On the contrary, they spread over hundreds of kilometers such as the wildfires that swept through North America during 2021 which affected many parts of the United States and Canada. This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview that summarizes novel aspects and new clinical insights to understand the adverse effects of air pollutant exposure on cardiovascular and pulmonary health associated with wildfires.

Speaker(s):

• Sanjay Rajagopalan, MD, Case Western Reserve University
• Matt Campen, PhD, MSPH, University of New Mexico
• Mary Rice, MD, MPH, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Recording | Rajagopalan Presentation Slides | Campen Presentation Slides | Rice Presentation Slides