Work

Workplace Exposures May Mask Wildfire Smoke-Related Exposure Inequities and Mortality

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Millions of outdoor workers cannot avoid wildfire smoke, likely leading to inequalities in exposure and health risk. We characterized work-related exposure to wildfire PM 2.5 for 3,108 contiguous US counties during 2006-2019. Despite experiencing less ambient exposure to wildfire PM 2.5 , counties with higher portions of non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Americans experienced higher work-related exposure. We also find suggestive evidence that the effect of ambient smoke fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) concentrations on all-cause mortality may differ by workplace exposure. These findings suggest that workplace exposures should be considered in wildfire smoke adaptation measures.

Source: Environmental Science & Technology Letters

DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.6c00273

Authors: Abas Shkembi, Sara D. Adar, Richard L. Neitzel, Marissa L. Childs

Institutions: University of Michigan, University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500