Particle pollution from wildfire smoke was tied to 24,100 deaths a year in US: Study
Particle pollution from wildfire smoke was tied to 24,100 deaths a year in US: Study
A new study out in the journal Science Advances finds that chronic exposure to wildfire smoke has contributed to tens of thousands of deaths each year in the United States
Read the full article on ABC US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's central claim regarding the number of deaths linked to wildfire smoke particle pollution is difficult to verify precisely without access to the cited study in Science Advances. While the general link between particle pollution and health issues is well-established, the specific number of deaths attributed solely to wildfire smoke requires further scrutiny. The article presents a potentially alarming statistic without providing sufficient context or alternative perspectives, indicating a moderate level of bias.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Chronic exposure to wildfire smoke has contributed to tens of thousands of deaths each year in the United States.
- Verification Source #1: Research has also linked year-round exposure to particle pollution to a wide array of serious health effects at every stage of life.
- Verification Source #2: The document discusses particulate matter and its health impacts but does not provide specific numbers related to wildfire smoke deaths.
- Verification Source #5: The document mentions a study on wildfire smoke but does not confirm the specific number of deaths.
- Assessment: Partially supported. While sources confirm the link between particle pollution and health issues, including from wildfire smoke, the specific claim of 'tens of thousands of deaths' is not directly verified by the provided sources. The American Lung Association source (1) confirms health effects from particle pollution. The EPA document (2) and Federal Register document (5) discuss particulate matter and wildfire smoke studies, but do not confirm the specific number of deaths mentioned in the article.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1 confirms the link between particle pollution and health effects.
- Sources 2 and 5 reference studies on particulate matter and wildfire smoke, but do not confirm the specific number of deaths attributed to wildfire smoke.