June 11, 2023

The disproportionate impact of wildfires on minorities

topic:	Health and Sanitation
located:	Canada, USA
editor:	Karan Anand

The engulfing smoke from Canadian wildfires has put millions of people across the US and Canada under air quality alerts. As of Thursday, more than 420 wildfires were burning in Canada with 232 of them deemed out of control.

The effects of these wildfires on humans, however, have not been uniform. Experts believe that economically weaker communities and people of colour, who are already more exposed to pollutants in their everyday lives, are being disproportionately affected by this new wave of smoke over Eastern USA and Canada.

Numerous studies have shown in the past the differences in harm from air pollution to racial or ethnic groups and people who are in a low socioeconomic position, have less education, or live closer to major sources of pollution. “This additional pollution from wildfires is making that situation worse,” said Sacoby Wilson, a public health professor at the University of Maryland. 

One of the biggest reasons behind this disparity is the segregated housing patterns across most cities in North America. These communities – Black Latino, Asian, Hispanic and low-income groups - often reside in areas that are close to pollution-generating sources and factories. 

Their neighbourhoods are more densely populated and often suffer from lack of resources, inadequate infrastructure and fewer options for evacuation or shelter during wildfires. Additionally, socio-economic disparities limit access to healthcare, leaving marginalised individuals more vulnerable to the health risks associated with air pollution.

Not only do these communities live in neighbourhoods more vulnerable to air pollution, but also perform jobs with longer times outdoors, like bus drivers, construction and agricultural workers, that expose them more to polluting elements than others. 

Regular exposure to particulate matter, inflamed by the recent round of wildfires, can have severe health implications on these racial and ethnic communities, ranging from respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis, to cardiovascular issues and the exacerbation of existing conditions.

In fact, a 2021 study found that racial and ethnic minorities, especially the older black population, had a higher risk of premature death due to particulate matter than others. The study also found that income did not play a role in the disparity as high-income black people also faced greater risk of premature death than others. Another study found greater risk of asthma among racial and ethnic minorities, and low-income groups due to increased exposure to air pollutants.   

To address these disparities, the government should prioritise the development of emergency response plans that address the specific needs of marginalised communities. This includes establishing early warning systems, ensuring timely evacuation procedures during wildfires, and providing accessible and safe shelters.

Secondly, investments in health and housing infrastructure, with a focus on marginalised communities, are essential to reduce vulnerability to smoke pollution. Equitable access to adequate healthcare facilities can go a long way in mitigating the risks associated with air pollution. 

Additionally, raising awareness among the marginalised communities by providing them with educational resources can empower individuals to take preventive measures during wildfire events. This includes disseminating information about potential harms of poor air quality, distributing masks, and offering guidance on indoor air purification methods.

These recent wildfires have once again exposed how marginalised communities are the most vulnerable to climate disasters. It is about time that governments recognise this and take targeted steps to protect these people.

Image by Caleb Cook

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