WASHINGTON (June 6, 2023)--More than 8 million acres of forest have burned in Canada this year alone and this week wildfires in Quebec are again pushing smoke south into the United States. The smoke from Canada is expected to reach New York, Boston and Washington, DC this afternoon–exposing millions of people to the poor quality air. Scientists say that such wildfires have been increasing in size and intensity as a result of climate change.
Experts at the George Washington University are available to offer insight, analysis and commentary related to the wildfires in Canada, including the public health impact of wildfire smoke as well as the impact of climate change. To schedule an interview with an expert, please contact the GW Media Relations Team at [email protected].
Katelyn O'Dell is an atmospheric scientist and a postdoctoral research scientist at GW who studies air pollution exposure and its health impacts. She can discuss the public health concerns of wildfire smoke exposure. O’Dell’s graduate work has focused on quantifying exposure to wildfire smoke and identifying health-relevant components in smoke. She can discuss the health issues raised by inhaling smoke-filled air, including asthma and respiratory problems.
Susan Anenberg, director of the GW Climate & Health Institute, and professor and Chair of the department of environmental and occupational health. Anenberg’s research focuses on the health implications of air pollution, including smoke from wildfires and climate change. Anenberg can discuss the benefits of staying indoors when air quality is poor and the risk of inhaling pollutants from smoke.
Lisa Benton-Short is a professor of geography at GW and an expert on urban sustainability, environmental issues in cities, and cities and immigration. Her research focuses on the dynamics of the urban environment from many angles, including planning and public space, urban sustainability, globalization, and immigration. Benton-Short can speak to the wildfires in Canada from a climate change perspective as well as the role of uncontrolled suburban development. She can also discuss how climate change and its effects on natural disasters like wildfires impact cities as well as what cities are doing to adapt to and mitigate climate change.