Casey Quoted in Prevention on Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
Posted: 2026-10-09 12:40:48 (CSDE Research)
CSDE Affiliate Joan Casey (Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Epidemiology) was quoted in a Prevention article titled, “How to Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke.” The piece draws on two new studies, one published in The Lancet Oncology and one in Nature Communications, showing that wildfire-related PM2.5 pollution poses greater health risks than PM2.5 from other sources, including higher mortality among older adults with lung cancer and higher hospitalization rates among people with cardiopulmonary conditions following long-term or acute exposure. Dr. Casey offered several possible explanations for why wildfire smoke is especially harmful. It can carry elevated levels of heavy metals from burned infrastructure, vehicles, and buildings; its particulate matter is often small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs; and exposure tends to occur in short, intense bursts that may worsen health outcomes. She noted that the populations most vulnerable to wildfire smoke mirror those most susceptible to air pollution generally, including children, pregnant people, older adults, outdoor workers, and those with preexisting heart and lung conditions, and recommended that most people take precautions once the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 151, though pregnant individuals should act sooner, at an AQI of 101. To read the full article, visit this link. Congratulations Dr. Casey!
Date: 09/26/2026