[Establishing a Comprehensive Monitoring System for Natural Disasters: The Associations between Wildfire Exposure and...

This study examines the health impacts of a 2017 wildfire on residents in both exposed and non-exposed areas, highlighting the increasing importance of health consequences related to natural disasters in contemporary society. The research utilizes retrospective data to compare health outcomes before and after the wildfire, between the two groups. Health impacts are assessed through rates of outpatient visits and hospitalizations, with a focus on conditions such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia in the exposed area. The study conducted rapid analysis using advanced techniques, including the double-difference method and time series analysis, to identify significant changes and outcomes. Expert consultations and the Delphi method enhanced the accuracy of the analysis, aiding in the identification of vulnerable areas and health conditions. The research emphasizes the importance of collaboration with various agencies to secure data during the pre-preparedness phase and recommends proactive on-site investigations and tracking and observation protocols during retrospective analysis. In the response phase, the focus was on rapid data collection, advanced analysis identification of high-risk populations in exposed areas, and precise tracking and response strategies. Furthermore, the study suggests the potential for proposing legislative measures to support residents in exposed areas. The establishment of a comprehensive and systematic monitoring system based on the findings of this research, is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of natural disaster exposure and its associated health impacts, as well as to the development of effective response strategies.