Climate Matters
Pollen & Allergy Season
As warmer temperatures drive longer growing seasons across the U.S., and rising carbon dioxide levels increase pollen concentrations, conditions only worsen for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Climate Change and Health: Wildfire and Smoke
Large wildfires are becoming more frequent and widespread, particularly in the western United States, fueled in part by climate change. The smoke from these fires creates serious health risks regionally and beyond.
Wildfires are a source of particulate matter pollution. Particulates less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) are especially dangerous as they can reach deeply into the lungs and can trigger or worsen health problems such as asthma and heart disease, with emerging evidence linking it to premature births. High-risk groups include pregnant women, infants, children, the elderly, asthmatics, people with serious heart, lung or other medical conditions and anyone who is required to spend long hours outside.
