Citation

Jaffe DA, O'Neill SM, Larkin NK, Holder AL, Peterson DL, Halofsky JE, Rappold AG. J. Air Waste Manag. Assoc. (1995) 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Lab.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Air and Waste Management Association, Publisher Informa- Taylor and Francis)

DOI

10.1080/10962247.2020.1749731

PMID

32240055

Abstract

Air quality impacts from wildfires have been dramatic in recent years, with millions of people exposed to elevated and sometimes hazardous fine particulate matter (PM
_2.5
) concentrations for extended periods. Fires emit particulate matter (PM) and gaseous compounds that can negatively impact human health and reduce visibility. While the overall trend in U.S. air quality has been improving for decades, largely due to implementation of the Clean Air Act, seasonal wildfires threaten to undo this in some regions of the U.S. Our understanding of the health effects of smoke is growing with regard to respiratory and cardiovascular consequences and mortality. The costs of these health outcomes can exceed the billions already spent on wildfire suppression. In this critical review, we examine each of the processes that influence wildland fires and the effects of fires, including the natural role of wildland fire, forest management, ignitions, emissions, transport, chemistry, and human health impacts. We highlight key data gaps and examine the complexity and scope and scale of fire occurrence, estimated emissions, and resulting effects on regional air quality across the U.S. The goal is to clarify which areas are well understood and which need more study. We conclude with a set of recommendations for future research.

Language: en

Keywords

Atmospheric Chemistry; Forests; Ozone; Particulate Matter; Wildfires