Gabrielle Yi-hui Liu, MD

Research Project:
What are the Long-Term Effects of Wildfire Exposure on Lung Health?

Grant Awarded:

Public Health and Policy Research Award

Research Topics:

air pollution
epidemiology
proteomics
public health
risk factors

Exposure to smoke from wildfires occurring in the zone where human development intermingles with wildland, known as the wildland-urban interface (WUI), is a growing public health threat in the U.S. The burning of wood, plastics, batteries and metals form a hazardous mixture of inhalable matter. It is clear that wildfire smoke exposure is associated with short-term risks such as ER visits and hospitalizations during the time of heavy smoke. However, the potential long-term effects of wildfire exposure on lung health are not as well understood. The goal of this research is to understand the potential long-term respiratory health effects of smoke coming from WUI wildfires by studying its association with measures of lung health which have been linked to risk of future chronic lung disease. We will test the association between WUI wildfire smoke exposure and respiratory symptoms, proteins in the blood, lung function and exercise capability in the months to years after exposure.

Page last updated: November 22, 2024

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