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Exposure to secondhand cannabis smoke among children

A cross-sectional study found that children exposed to secondhand cannabis smoke at home have significantly higher urinary cannabinoid biomarker levels, indicating increased exposure to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. Reducing in-home cannabis smoking can substantially reduce child exposure to these harmful substances.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 23, 2025

Exposure to remote wildfire smoke drifting across the US linked to increased medical visits for heart and lung problems

A new study found that exposure to remote wildfire smoke drifting across the US led to a 20% increase in medical visits for heart and lung conditions. Patients who were older, non-smokers, and more socio-economically affluent were at higher risk on poor air quality days.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeCase study·DateDec 13, 2024

Wildfire smoke exposure and incident dementia

A cohort study found that long-term exposure to wildfire and fine particulate matter was associated with dementia diagnoses. The study suggests that reducing wildfire PM2.5 exposure could decrease dementia diagnoses and address health disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateNov 25, 2024

UW-led research links wildfire smoke exposure with increased dementia risk

A recent study led by the University of Washington found that higher long-term exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with a significant increase in the odds of developing dementia. The researchers analyzed health records of 1.2 million Southern California residents and found that exposure to wildfire PM2.5 increased the risk of deme...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 25, 2024

New evidence-based information from NCCN offers tangible and moral support for people trying to quit smoking

The new NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Quitting Smoking provide critical support and guidance for individuals with cancer seeking to quit smoking. The guidelines offer a fresh perspective and renewed hope, featuring multiple evidence-based options, including nicotine replacement therapy, behavior therapy, and non-nicotine medicines.

UC Irvine study reveals health impacts of repeated wildfires and smoke exposure

The UC Irvine study found that frequent wildfires and smoke exposure take a significant toll on physical and mental health, local economies, and community resilience. Residents shared stories of breathing difficulties, sinus problems, eye irritation, psychological stress, anxiety, and fear due to persistent smoke and extreme heat.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Research Health·DateAug 28, 2024

Wildfire smoke has a silver lining: It can help protect vulnerable tree seedlings

Researchers at Oregon State University found that wildfire smoke can reduce temperature stress on young seedlings, making them more resilient to extreme heat events. The study showed a significant cooling effect of wildfire smoke, similar to an increase in canopy cover, which can provide benefits for tree regeneration.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCanadian Journal of Forest Research·TypeObservational study·DateJul 15, 2024

Cannabis, tobacco use, and COVID-19 outcomes

A cohort study found that cannabis use was an independent risk factor for COVID-19-related complications, even after considering other risk factors. The study suggests that cannabis may increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 21, 2024

Fighting fires from space in record time: how AI could prevent devastating wildfires

Australian scientists have developed an AI-powered system to detect bushfires from space, reducing detection time by 500 times compared to traditional methods. The system uses hyperspectral imagery and onboard AI to identify fire smoke before it takes hold, allowing for faster responses and preventing loss of life and property.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024

Revolutionizing fire safety: the emergence of PA-DAD as a sustainable flame retardant for epoxy resin composites

Researchers have developed a bio-based hyperbranched flame retardant called PA-DAD, which significantly improves the limiting oxygen index values and UL-94 ratings of epoxy resin composites. The addition of PA-DAD also enhances the mechanical properties of EP composites, including tensile, flexural, and impact strengths.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalEmergency Management Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Wildfire smoke disproportionately affects California's Indigenous communities, new research shows

Researchers found that Indigenous communities in California were exposed to 1.7 times more wildfire smoke than expected, with the average annual exposure being a critical factor in understanding long-term health effects. The study proposes new metrics to measure cumulative exposure and duration of smoke exposure.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Cancer risk following smoking cessation

A study of 2.9 million Korean adults found that quitting smoking at any age reduced the risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer, after 10 years. Early cessation before middle age led to a substantial risk reduction in lung cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 6, 2024

Office air conditioning can reduce the risk of harm from wildfire smoke

A new study by the University of Technology Sydney suggests that office air conditioning can reduce the risk of harm from wildfire smoke. The researchers found that air conditioning filters in UTS Buildings 4 and 7 captured a significant portion of wildfire smoke, reducing exposure to toxic particles for staff and students.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2024

Trends in adult smoking prevalence

A study of 353,000 US adults found a decline in smoking prevalence from 2011 to 2022, except for those 65 and older. The greatest gains in reducing smoking-attributable morbidity and mortality can be achieved by targeting individuals with low socioeconomic status.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 1, 2023

E-cigarette use among adults

E-cigarette use persisted among young adults aged 18-24, with 71.5% of those who used e-cigarettes never having used combustible cigarettes. This finding highlights the need for targeted public health policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 3, 2023