Estimated global mortality attributable to smoke from landscape fires.
Fay H Johnston1, Sarah B Henderson, Yang Chen
1Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|March 30, 2012
Summary
Landscape fire smoke (LFS) exposure causes an estimated 339,000 annual global deaths, with significant impacts in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Reducing tropical rainforest burning could lower these mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Atmospheric Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Annual global fires release significant carbon, impacting climate and air quality.
- Landscape fire smoke (LFS) contributes to atmospheric pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the global annual mortality attributed to landscape fire smoke (LFS).
Main Methods:
- Global estimation of daily and annual exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from fire emissions (1997-2006).
- Utilized chemical transport models, satellite data, and WHO subregional mortality data.
- Assessed short-term and long-term PM2.5 exposure effects on all-cause mortality.
Main Results:
- An estimated 339,000 annual deaths are attributable to LFS exposure.
- Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia experienced the highest mortality rates.
- Mortality was higher during El Niño years (532,000) compared to La Niña years (262,000).
Conclusions:
- Fire emissions are a major global mortality factor.
- Reducing tropical rainforest burning can mitigate adverse health outcomes.
- Climate phenomena like El Niño significantly influence LFS-related mortality.
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