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Natural disasters and respiratory health
Isabella Annesi-Maesano1,2, Hasan Bayram3,4, Lorenzo Cecchi5
1University Hospital Institute: Immun4Cure, University of Montpellier and INSERM, Montpellier, France isabella.annesi-maesano@inserm.fr.
The European Respiratory Journal
|August 21, 2025
Summary
Natural disasters worsen respiratory health through pollutants and allergens, increasing risks for vulnerable groups. Climate change exacerbates these threats, requiring integrated mitigation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Respiratory Medicine
- Disaster Science
Background:
- Natural disasters like heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions significantly impact respiratory health.
- Vulnerable populations, including those with pre-existing conditions, children, and the elderly, face heightened risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intricate relationship between natural catastrophes and respiratory health.
- To emphasize the roles of chemical pollutants, biocontaminants, and meteorological factors in exacerbating respiratory conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological evidence on respiratory health outcomes following natural disasters.
- Analysis of specific disaster types and their associated respiratory health impacts.
Main Results:
- Increased asthma exacerbations, COPD hospitalizations, and respiratory infections are observed post-disaster.
- Heatwaves, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, thunderstorms, earthquakes, and floods contribute to respiratory morbidity via various pollutants and allergens.
- First responders and marginalized communities face disproportionate respiratory health burdens.
Conclusions:
- Natural disasters pose escalating respiratory health threats, amplified by climate change.
- An integrated approach involving improved understanding, targeted interventions, and proactive risk mitigation is essential.
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