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September 8

Protecting Young Children From the Impacts of Wildfires

Location

Virtual

Time

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Event Type

From Around the School, Lectures/Seminars/Forums

Event Site

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Wildfire smoke is becoming an increasingly common part of childhood in many parts of the US. While we often associate wildfires with remote or forested locations, they are increasingly happening in more urban settings—such as the January 2025 fires in Los Angeles—and the smoke can travel thousands of miles, remaining highly toxic. This means that exposure to wildfire smoke is a growing concern far beyond fire zones, with implications for the health and development of young children in both the short term and throughout their lifespan. 

Join us for a live discussion on how wildfire smoke affects young children, focusing on how the LA Fire HEALTH Study aims to better understand the short- and long-term health impacts of wildfires. The study addresses the need for answers in the LA community and has broader implications for many communities across the US that are increasingly dealing with wildfire smoke.

Panelists will share emerging findings from the study and how these insights can guide efforts to reduce exposure, support children and caregivers, and protect healthy development—especially for those most affected by recent wildfires. 

The discussion will be led by our Chief Science Officer, Lindsey Burghardt, MD, MPH, FAAP, and will feature panelists Joseph Allen, DSc, MPH, Associate Professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Director of the Harvard Healthy Buildings Program, and Sujeet Rao, Health and Wellbeing Practice Director at the Public Exchange at the University of Southern California.