Anthony Wexler, PhD, MS is a research scientist who measures and models atmospheric aerosols related to urban smog, human health and global warming. His engineering background is the foundation for his understanding of the body’s physiological systems.
Irva Hertz-Picciotto, PhD, MPH, is an environmental epidemiologist committed to furthering our understanding of how both specific exposures and global climate or planetary changes harm health. Her work has tackled the effects of substances like metals, pesticides, air pollutants, organic compounds, and endocrine disruptors on cancer, pregnancy, perinatal outcomes, respiratory health, immune markers and neurodevelopment. Additional themes have included innovations in epidemiologic methods, and the interactions of environmental factors with nutrition, genetics, and social stressors.
When I moved to Sacramento last year I thought I was escaping earthquakes. For years, I lived just down the street from the Hayward Fault in North Berkeley. Our little bungalow on a hill was cute but creaky. I used to joke with my husband that if our house collapsed when The Big One hit we could buy that Airstream he always wanted.
So, it was a relief knowing my family was safe from such a calamity when we moved to Sacramento. Then wildfire season hit.
Scientists say it’s not if but when the next big wildfire happens
Wildfires in California are burning bigger and hotter every year and are expected to get worse as climate change intensifies. No one can predict when a wildfire will strike but there are things individuals and communities can do to prepare for the next big one. Here’s what the experts say:
Find out about different types of air pollution, what pollution is linked to, how it affects your health and how to avoid it in your home and outdoors.
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lung. This inflammatory process can occur along the entire airway from the nose to the lung. Once the airway becomes swollen and inflamed, it becomes narrower, and less air gets through to the lung tissue. This causes symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways tighten up and the asthma symptoms become even worse than usual.
