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How wildfire smoke, retardant slurry impact human health, environment

While flames may be the most visual wildfire danger, experts say smoke and fire retardant slurry can have long-lasting effects on human health and the environment.

“There are hundreds of gases that are emitted from wildfire smoke, some of them in very, very small quantities,” National Center for Atmospheric Research scientist Rebecca Hornbrook said. “Some — like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides — are emitted in higher quantities, but some of those smaller quantity gases are actually even more toxic.”

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Researchers look into the health impacts of wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke has become an increasingly significant source of air pollution, raising concerns about its impact on public health. As massive fires rage across forests and grasslands, they release large quantities of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a dangerous pollutant that can penetrate deep into the lungs. Prolonged exposure to these tiny particles has been linked to a range of health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, making wildfire smoke a growing threat, especially in regions prone to intense fire seasons. 

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Coordinated Geostationary, Multispectral Satellite Observations Are Critical for Climate and Air Quality Progress

Satellite observations are critical for air quality and climate monitoring, and for developing the process understanding needed for reliable planning and predictions. Our current space-based observing system stands at a crossroads with the early missions approaching their end-of-life. We articulate the challenges and needs to sustain and develop these environmental records into the future, focusing specifically on observations of gas-phase atmospheric composition.

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OMI-TROPOMI-Workshop01-June3-6-2024.JPG 2024 OMI-TROPOMI Workshop
The OMI-TROPOMI workshop held from June 3 - 6 at the NCAR ACOM Foothills laboratory was very successful.