Combatting Climate Change: 10 Interventions for Dermatologists to Consider for Sustainability

Sharma, Sanjeev

doi:10.12788/cutis.0577

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 30 publications

(31 reference statements)

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“…While progress has been made, there is yet much to be done by these groups to protect the skin and overall health of vulnerable communities. Dermatologists can play an active role in educating patients and trainees about the dermatologic effects of air pollution and can actively participate in local and national organizations to advocate for policies aimed at combating air pollution [ 48 ]. Addressing environmental injustices requires a multifaceted approach, including the implementation of effective environmental policies, improved access to medical care, and the investment in air filtration systems and other methods to prevent worsening health exacerbations during wildfires and other acute air pollution events.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Burden of Air Pollution on Skin Health: a Brief Report and Call to Action

Santiago Mangual,

Ferree,

Murase

et al. 2023

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb)

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Introduction Air pollution in North America has intensified due to wildfires in recent years. In 2023, the wildfires in the Canadian province of Quebec caused a southward spread of pollutants, negatively affecting air quality and thereby aggravating certain health conditions in northeastern USA. This study examines the impact of air pollution on atopic dermatitis (AD) and skin health and how wildfires can exacerbate the burden of disease. Methods Carbon monoxide levels measured by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Boston region during the months following the Canadian wildfires of 2023 were collected from the U.S. EPA Outdoor Air Quality webpage. Patient records on dermatology clinic visits for dermatitis and eczema at the Mass General Brigham (MGB) hospital system, 300 miles from the wildfires, were examined, and the data compared with data from the corresponding months in 2019–2022 for historical control. No individual patient data were collected. Results A notable rise and atypical summer peak in carbon monoxide (CO) levels in the Boston region during 2023 correlated with a spike in AD, dermatitis, and eczema-related dermatology clinic visits within the MGB hospital system, as compared with the prior 4 years. Conclusion The synchronized atypical peaks of CO levels and AD-related visits during the summer of 2023 highlight the potential impact of acute air pollution events such as wildfires on air quality and the consequences for skin health. Air pollution, exacerbated by wildfires, can damage the skin through the smoke and chemicals utilized for extinguishing fires, which contain multiple potential allergens and irritants to the skin, such as CO, particulate matter (PM2.5), and ammonium phosphates, triggering airway and skin inflammation and flares of AD. This issue disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and the geriatric and pediatric populations. Healthcare professionals and government agencies must work together to improve air quality and purification policies and initiatives to lower the burden of skin disease, especially for vulnerable communities.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%